MLB Opening Day!!

In honor of Major League Baseball's Opening Day, here is a primer for the 2011 season.

American League Predictions


AL West: Texas Rangers
The AL West has been down in recent seasons, although the Rangers broke through and made an appearance in the World Series last year.  Look for the Rangers to repeat in this weak league, despite losing pitching star Cliff Lee.

AL Central: Chicago White Sox/Minnesota Twins
The AL Central looks to be a very heated race, with the White Sox, Twins, and Tigers all competing for a spot in the playoffs.  The White Sox and Twins seem to be the preseason favorites, but the Twins must keep stars Mauer and Morneau healthy.

AL East: Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have arguably made the best off season acquisitions, putting them in perfect position to win the pennant.  The additions of Carl Crawford, and Adrian Gonzalez, to go along with Boston's premier starting rotation, should put the Red Sox into the playoffs.

National League Predictions


NL West: San Francisco Giants
The Giants return all the key players from their run to the 2010 World Series title, which should put them in the playoffs again in 2011.  The key for the Giants will be their bats, as they have one of the league's best pitching staffs...the hitters just need to help them out!

NL Central: St. Louis Cardinals/Cincinnati Reds
Once again the Central Division looks to feature a contentious race, with almost any team having a legitimate shot at reaching the playoffs.  The Cardinals and Reds look to be the early season favorites, but watch out for the Milwaukee Brewers, who with hot bats, could steal the division.

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies
Any pick other than the Phillies to win the division would probably be a bad pick.  The addition of Cliff Lee to an already fierce starting rotation, should power Philadelphia past any competition that may surface.  The only issues that one can find with the Phil's is their recent taste of the injury bug, with Chase Utley and Brad Lidge being place on the 15-day DL.  If they can stay healthy throughout the duration of the season, the Phillies will easily move on to the playoffs.



World Series Prediction:  Phillies defeat Red Sox 4-2