The chill of winter is subsiding around much of the country and the boys of summer are back to entertain us. With that in mind we all want to know if our team has a chance at glory. Everyone likes to say that all teams have a chance on Opening Day, but lets face the facts I would not bet 1 dollar on the Pirates making it to the post season today. Here is how I think things will play out this year:

American League East Standings-

  1. New York Yankees
  2. Boston Red Sox
  3. Tampa Bay Rays
  4. Baltimore Orioles
  5. Toronto Blue Jays

In the best division in baseball it will be a dog fight for the first three spots. Health will probably be the biggest determining factor. I look for the Yankees to take first place here with their revamped pitching staff and knowing that Phil Hughes waits at triple A to step in for the inevitable injury. Boston and Tampa couple easily swap spots, but I like Boston’s chances with their SP & Bullpen if they stay healthy. Baltimore will be much more competitive this year and should be able to pull past the waning Blue Jays.

American League Central-

  1. Minnesota Twins
  2. Cleveland Indians
  3. Kansas City Royals
  4. Chicago White Sox
  5. Detroit Tigers

Here again I think Minnesota’s pitching matches up better then the rest of the league. I like Cleveland a lot to make some noise this year, but it would not surprise me to see KC hop them in the standings and compete for a Wild Card spot this year. For the first time in a while I think Royal fans might have a season to be excited about.

American League West-

  1. Los Angeles Angels
  2. Oakland Athletics
  3. Texas Rangers
  4. Seattle Mariners

The Angels should run away with the division while the Rangers stand to make the most improvements. I like the A’s taking third place but it could come down to September for that slot between them and the Rangers. I just don’t see how the Mariners are going to finish anywhere but last here.

American League Wild Card Winner-Boston Red Sox

National League East-

  1. New York Mets
  2. Atlanta Braves
  3. Philadelphia Phillies
  4. Florida Marlins
  5. Washington Nationals

The Mets should win the NL East barring the unexplainable September meltdown. Everything came together for the Phillies last year. They always had the pitching, but I think last year was a special year and this year that staff gets exposed once it gets past Cole Hamels. The mets have a top notch bullpen and solidify that weakness to go along with their outstanding offense and more then solid pitching staff. The Braves will make some noise but would need a little help (more offense) to catch the mets.

National League Central-

  1. Chicago Cubs
  2. St Louis Cardinals
  3. Cincinnati Reds
  4. Milwaukee Brewers
  5. Houston Astros
  6. Pittsburgh Pirates

The middle of this division should be fun to watch all year. I fully anticipate the Cubs to run away with first place and the Pirates to dominate last place all year. Houston should not be much of a factor, but things could be interesting between the Brewers, Reds, and Cardinals. I think the Cardinals are primed for a good year and the Reds and Brewers could be in for a fight and flip flop each other much of the year.

National League West-

  1. Los Angeles Dodgers
  2. Arizona Diamondbacks
  3. San Francisco Giants
  4. San Diego Padres
  5. Colorado Rockies

Got Manny? The Dodgers do, but they also have some other young pieces coming together as well particularly their other outfielders Matt Kemp & Andre Either. I don’t like the starting pitching depth for the Dodgers, but I just don’t think the Diamondbacks have enough hitting to get them past the Dodgers this year. The Giants should see things start to come together this year as well and the Dodgers better take advantage this year because it looks like 2010 this division is shaping up to be quite competitive.

National League Wild Card- St Louis Cardinals

I did not think any comments were needed on the AL Wild Card pick, but I could easily see the number two teams from all three divisions getting into the mix. I think it will come down to the Diamondbacks and Cardinals in the end unless the Braves go out and get a big bat in the mix, but they seem not to have the money to do that.

AL Winner- Yankees

NL Winner-Dodgers

World Series Winner- New York Yankees

I’m sure beat writers are salivating as are MLB Executives for this meeting. The return of Joe Torre after his outing with a chance to extend the Yankees post season woes. Plus MLB gets two big market teams on each coast. Big Stein sees his new Stadium create it’s own mystic and aura in the October Nights.

Some Other Award Winners:

American League Cy Young Winner- Jon Lester

National League Cy Young Winner-Chad Billingsley

American League MVP-Evan Longoria

National League MVP- David Wright

American League Rookie of the Year-Matt Wieters

National League Rookie of the Year-Cameron Maybin

Six months from now I’ll pull this post up and most likely look foolish. That is what I love about today. You never know what is coming. I’m just excited to get home tonight and watch some of the games!

(full disclosure: I’m a Yankees fan and David Wright was my first pick in my fantasy draft. I am very willing to admit both of those picks are biased.)

How do you think the divisions or awards will pan out?

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