All you baseball fans. Time for some early (pretty much pre) season predictions.

[WebGem]

I'm gonna call my shot right now. The Jays will be back in 3rd place in the AL East. But, they won't be finishing ahead of Baltimore.

American League East:

New York Yankees

They are the Yankees. I do not need to explain this. Randy Johnson won't win 30 games like I initially thought, but he'll get near the mid 20's if he can stay healthy. Yankees win the East. It's gonna be great to see them choke again.

American League Central:

Minnesota Twins

The division remains to be the crapper of the American League, by far. The Twins have a huge, obvious advantage with Johan. They also have one of the best closers in the game in Joe Nathan. I am a huge fan of Torii Hunter, I believe he's near the top in underrated outfielders. Michael Cuddyer has some power, and if Morneau can live up to potential the Twins are off to another division title with mediocre pitching behind Johan. But, if Contreras and El Duque can find a way to pitch atleast somewhat decent instead of blowing ass every other start then the Chi Sox have a very good chance to win the division.

American League West:

Seattle Mariners

I'm sure I'm gonna get shit for this one, but I think Seattle has this division on lock. Every other idiot just says "they bought hitters for a pitchers park". That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard, their lineup is going to be fine. Sexson and Beltre should have decent years. If Ibanez can become somewhat consistent and Boone can do better than last year, the lineup will do five times as good as people think. Randy Winn is still there and they had to move him to 7th in the lineup, which says something..and it fucked up my Sandbox league. Joel Piniero is going to have a monster year, Madritsch looks good, Moyer/Meche/sele will at least help out, and Guardado is at least dependable. He's gonna blow saves, but you can count on him to throw every single day.

American League Wild Card:

Oakland Athletics

Atleast one good team plays in the Coliseum. The A's are near the top in underrated lineups. Mark Kotsay, Nick Swisher, Mark Hatteberg, Jason Kendall, and Erubiel Durazo all help out majorly there. Then there is the obvious bat with Eric Chavez. I think the teams average will be near .280, which might be going out on a limb. But it's possible. The pitching is what is going to have to win it for them though. The bullpen doesn't have any balance but it should not have a problem finishing up games. It should be a top 3 pen in the AL. Barry Zito will have an ERA under 3.9, Rich Harden will have 16-18 quality starts and should be able to win a decent amount (10-12) of games. Danny Haren is the man that is gonna be the surprise of the A's this year. He's not gonna replace Mark Mulder, but he should be able to post a decent ERA and above average WHIP. I think the A's will take the Wild Card, but I don't think they will be very far ahead of the Orioles. I wouldn't be surprised if the Orioles take it either. Their lineup is obviously going to have success, that's not even a question. The pitching is where Baltimore is going to win games. Lopez is obviously going to help out, there's no reason he won't win 15 games with a 3.7 ERA. But, Bruce Chen and Erik Bedard are the keys to success. bruce Chen I think could possible win as many games as Lopez, he's looking like a stud. Most people thought Bedard was just a K guy. I think he can keep his ERA down if he can learn to control himself and live up to potential. Remember, the O's staff isn't pitching in the most friendly park.

Boston? LOL, that team will seriously be lucky to see win number 81. Very lucky.

Cy Young and MVP:

I don't even know, it's too hard in the AL. Eric Chavez and Randy Johnson.

National League East

Atlanta Braves

I do the best impression of the TBS guys. I wish you could hear me.

"and there's another home run for chipper jones" (in the most boring, laid back voice ever).

I don't even think this team is the best in the division at all, but I can't pick against them until someone else proves the Braves can be beat first. The Braves always seem to have the guys in their lineup that only do good as Braves, which is probably why JD Drew will have a horrible year in LA this year. I love Marcus Giles, he can play ball. The Jones are still there, Brian Jordan and Mondesi should provide decent seasons as well. Adam Laroche is underrated at least, if anyone even knows who he is, and Estrada will provide some average. The Braves are the Braves, what can I say? The only question is, who will be winning at Turner field in Game 5 of the NLDS? I can guarantee it will be an NL Central or NL West team.

National League West

San Diego Padres

This division could go a few different ways, it all depends. I'll go with the Pads though. One of my favorite players, Brian Giles, is in right field. Klesko's out there as well, along with Xavier Nady who has 40 HR power. Khalil Greene could end up being a huge help and Loretta and Nevin should be able to have decent years at worst..the park's not gonna help the bats out at all, but will obviously help the staff. Jake Peavy could make a run at NL Cy Young with ease if he stays healthy (although he will not win it). Woody Williams and Brian Lawrence are two guys I like, especially in that park. They should both be able to keep the ERA's under 4. Adam Eaton is someone I actually don't like, but I think the rest can get it done. After all the division isn't that strong. I could see LA, SF, or AZ making runs at it. Arizona got some bats this year, but their pitching would have to step up, which I don't see happenign but I do think Vazquez will have a very good year.

National League Central

St Louis Rams

The Cards are gonna win the division for the same reason they won it last year, because they have far too much power and depth for any other NL team to handle. Mark Mulder should make a great ace in the National League. Chris Carpenter should be the #2 starter, unless Matt Morris decides he wants to pitch like he used to. I just don't think Morris has it anymore, I used to like him a lot though. Marquis and Suppan will provide depth, and the pen is strong but with little depth, but Izzy is still there to close out games. I don't think the pen will need depth with the starters they have, and the top of the order is tough and should get it to Izzy with no problem. The Chicago DL needs to count on Prior, and the other guys staying healthy, which is not likely.

Wild Card:

Florida Marlins

Not even close. I wanted to take them to win the East but I didn't, so they will fill this spot without a problem. Carlos Delgado is going to be a monster. The OBP he has in front of him is going to be the greatest thing he's seen in his career, he should have no problem putting up numbers that will rival his 2000 season. Mike Lowell is overrated, but he's good. Castillo is underrated, and Cabrera and Pierre are nothing but help. Josh Beckett is your 2005 NL Cy Young winner. Leiter and Willis proved lefty balance with the rotation, and AJ Burnett is on track for a great year. Mota should make a easy transition to closer, but that will be key for Florida that he does a good job as he should. I don't know why I took the Braves to win the East, but they are going to...somehow.

NL Cy Young and MVP:

Josh Beckett, hands down. and Carlos Delgado

AL Playoffs

Yankees over A's
Twins over Mariners

Yankees over Twins

NL Playoffs

Braves over Padres
Marlins over cardinals

Marlins over Braves

World Series:

Marlins over Yankees

I wish I could talk this indepth about another sport. I think the thing that I love about baseball is the numbers.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Archie Bunker

I will admit I slept through most of last season. I will take your word for it. I just looked at the roster and I didn't see much to be excited about pitching wise. Should have done my homework. Thanks for the rep though.

They don't have any big names but Kenny Rogers and Ryan Drese were both good last year. I don't even know how they made it through the season without consistent 3-5 starters but they did. They must have had 3 or 4 guys from AAA make starts last year.

[DaKCMan AP]

I predict I wont care until come playoff time and only then if the Marlins are still in it.

[Nightfyre]

ALEast: Yankees
ALCentral: Tigers
ALWest: Rangers
Wildcard: Red Sox
AL ROY: Swisher (Oak), Bautista (KC) is my second choice.

NLEast: Braves
NLCentral: Cards
NLWest Dodgers: (you heard it here first)
Wildcard: Marlins (look for Cantu to have a big year)
NL ROY: Barmes (Col)

[Miles]

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Twins
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Boston

AL MVP: Could be anyone but i guess ill go with Vlad to win it again.
AL Cy Young - Randy Johnson

NL East: Braves
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West:Padres
NL Wild Card: Marlins

NL MVP Pujols
NL Cy Young: Tim Hudson