Baseball was back last night (in the states, that is...I'd rather not talk about thglobalizing adventure the BoSox and A's took part in). That's right, the most glorious sport in all the world returned on the 30th of March. The venue was a new and magnificent sight,
and the first pitch...well, let's just say President Bush threw some high cheese that even Richie Sexson wouldn't swing at. All in all though, the game was refreshing. Former UVA standout Ryan Zimmerman delivered a walk-off bomb and the once maligned Expos are currently on pace to complete the first undefeated season in the history of Major League Baseball. And yes, I know there's still 161 games to be played and every team that doesn't lose on opening day starts their campaign that way. But let's also be realistic...baseball is all about the numbers--and right now, the Nats are sitting high at 1-0. It's now time for The Daily Greaser's 2008 MLB Predictions. Today we'll start with the American League. Tomorrow we'll preview that National League after a day's worth of games...yes, so we can cheat.
American League:
East: Boston Red Sox
Before the start of the season, it seemed inevitable that the defending World Series Champs would wrap up the division. However, back spasms to Josh Beckett and another injury to senior citizen
Curt Schilling put a division crown in doubt. Even so, there's not much competition this year in the East. I'll admit, I despise the New York Yankees like it's my job, but they can't be serious about Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte. If it was 1998 and Tubby Smith was cutting down the nets for the Kentucky Wildcats, I'd say the Yankees had two formidable starters. Sadly, Tubby is a golden squirrel and the 'Cats had a first round exit from the tourney. Translation: The Yankees have a monster line-up, probably second in the league to Detroit. Still, pitching beats hitting every day of the week, and once the Sox are healthy, look for them to come out on top. Having Manny and Big Papi also help.
Central: Cleveland Indians
The American League Central looks like a two horse race at this point. The Tigers sport the best line-up in baseball with the addition of Miguel Cabrera and their rotation is very solid. However, a shaky bullpen could spell problems down the stretch in the
Motor City. Cleveland fields a special club this season and could be popping champagne at season's end. C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona are a sick 1-2 punch. The Indians also have a big-time line-up featuring Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner. The Indians are pretty solid...sorry, no playing time here for Brady Quinn.
West: Seattle Mariners
Yes, yes...I've selected my favorite team to win the division. Well, that's just how it goes sometimes, especially when MY TEAM IS GOOD THIS YEAR. Sorry for the violent font, but seriously, the M's are for real this year. Last year Seattle won 88 games with virtually zero help from is starting pitching. Add Erik Bedard the the top of the rotation with Felix
Hernandez and you've got one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball. If King Felix lives up to his potential (we all saw his 1-hitter in Boston last year) and Bedard continues to
be one of the league's premiere lefty's, Seattle could be a real sleeper in the American League. JJ Putz rivals Boston's Jonathan Papelbon as the top closer in baseball and the M's have a decent lineup. The Rangers will be the Rangers this year (that means waste our oxygen) and the A's will make things interesting, but look for another two team race in the West this season ONCE the Angels get healthy. I've still got the M's in the playoffs. After all, the edge always goes to the team with the best mascot in the universe. (**Mariner Moose takes a bow**)
Wildcard: Detroit Tigers
This is my chance to yell to the New York Yankees, "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" It's hard pressed to see the Bronx Bombers not making the post season. They made the playoffs last year even after such a horrid start, but this is the year. This is the year that MasterCard can finally air the commercial you know they've been saving for the past 127 years. Can't you just see it? "Steinbrenner watching the ALDS from his couch: priceless." But in all seriousness, the Yankees will have a tough time making the playoffs. The AL is strong this year and you've got to have pitching **repeat** got to have pitching if you want a ticket to October fun. Detroit might have some questions in their bullpen, but Verlander, Bonderman and Willis are a safer bet than the aforementioned archaic arms that New York will send to the bump this summer.
Recap:
AL East: Boston
AL Central: Cleveland
AL West: Seattle
AL Wildcard: Detroit
Notes: Yankees complete first winless season in Major League History
No comments:
Post a Comment