Play Ball!

That's right, Spring has sprung. The baseball season starts tonight in Sweet Home Chicago. Where the World Champions reside, that's right my beloved Chicago White Sox. I'm going to focus on them, since I'm fairly biased and tell you how I think the rest of the teams will finish.
Let's save the best for last. Man, last season was magical for all White Sox fans!

AL EAST - I can't pick against the Yankees and their fire power. Their lineup is among the strongest in all of baseball and they will be a factor once again in the post season as Steinbrenner wants to win badly! Remember it's been since 2000 since the Yankees won a World Series and in "Boston years" that's equal to around 75 years! Boston will most likely win the wild card again. I'm not sure about their inner turmoil and whether their starting pitching will hold up. The Blue Jays spent a lot of money, but not wisely! Baltimore could be the sleeper team here. If Leo Mazzone can work his magic, watch out. Tampa Bay is still Tampa Bay.
Order of Finish:
New York
Boston *
Baltimore
Toronto
Tampa Bay

AL Central - Chicago will win this division again. The additions of Thome, Vazquez, Mackhowiak, and Cintron only strengthen this team. The bullpen may be a problem, but the farm system is so deep that Kenny Williams will be able to go out and get help if needed. And Brian Anderson will vie for AL rookie of the Year honors. Aaron Rowand will NOT be missed at all! Cleveland is being annointed as the next champion. Not this year, they lost a lot of starting pitching and the health of Abrams, Wisconsin native Bob Wickman is in question. Minnesota with their strong pitching will battle for 2nd and Detroit has all sorts of question marks. Again their problem is pitching, not consistant enough, nor deep enough with a very shaky bullpen. Kansas City is STILL Kansas City.
Order of Finish:
Chicago
Minnesota
Cleveland
Detroit
KC

AL West - Let's start with Texas, they've improved their starting pitching but they still need more help. They'll still be mashing and putting up the runs. I think the other three teams will be in a close race, that's right I think Seattle will compete most of the season. They have the 2nd best rotation in the division and Sexson, Suzuki and Ibanez can make runs. They've also added Carl Everett for some more power. Oakland is talked about as being the team to beat in the division. I dont' see it that way. Top to bottom rotation wise, I like Seattle's Staff better! That's right. Frank Thomas will be lucky to play more than 120 games tops and Milton Bradley is a human time bomb. Oakland is one major injury from finishing in last place in this division. Why is Billy Beane being annointed as a genius when opening day hasn't begun. The Angels are strong, any team with Vlad Guerrero will challenge. He has a strong supporting cast and the pitching staff, namely the relievers, are excellent!
Order of Finish:
Seattle
Anaheim
Oakland
Texas

NL East- Yes it's the Braves again, too deep too strong all around. The NY Mets and Toronto Blue Jays must have took notes on one another. They didn't wisely spend their money. The Nationals are in trouble. Injuries and turmoil have already begun to take their toll. Philadelphia will make a run at it but fall short as usual. And Florida is not going to be happy with another awful season. Who's next on the trading block?
Order of Finish:
Atlanta
Philadelphia *
New York
Washington
Florida

NL Central - This will be St. Louis again. Houston has too many question marks. Milwaukee seems to be everyone's dark horse, but I'm not sure why. The Reds need some more pitching. The Pirates need a lot of everything and the Cubs are STILL The Cubs.
Order of Finish:
St. Louis
Houston
Cincinnati
Milwaukee
Chicago
Pittsburgh

NL West - The Dodgers should win this division but I'm picking against them. This one could go to anyone. San Fran should win even with or without Barry Bonds.
Order of Finish:
San Francisco
Los Angeles
San Diego
Arizona
Colorado

Playoffs - AL NY over Seattle, Chicago over Boston
Chicago over NY
NL - SF over Philly, STl over Atl.
St. Louis over SF
World Series - Chicago White Sox over St. Louis!!!