TigersMAN

In the AL East, it'll be the "usual suspects" fighting for the top spot and I think it depends on which SP staff remains the healthier.  Both the Red Sox and Yankees have some injury issues (Beckett, Schilling; Pettitte) plus they both are counting on some young, unproven arms to come through for them.  I think the Sox have a stronger bullpen, overall, and I give the edge to the Sox.  The Jays and Rays will be improved this year, though they won't be in the race for the East Division crown.  They will, however, cut into the number of wins that the Bosox and Yanks finish with, and only one team from the East will make the playoffs.  No Wild Card from the East this year.

Here's how I see the AL East:

1. Red Sox   93-69
2. Yankees  90-72
3. Blue Jays 86-76
4. Rays         75-87
5. Orioles     65-97

In the Central, it will also be a two-team race between the Indians and Tigers, of course.  If the Tigers are to win the Central, Willis will need to pitch better than he has this Spring, as far as locating his fastball better, getting ahead of the hitters and limiting the walks.  Granderson starting the season on the DL will hurt, as he is an integral part of their offense - getting on base ahead of the big guns.  Hopefully, his finger injury won't effect his offensive production after he comes back.  The Tigers bullpen is another issue.  The Indians bullpen (setup Ps) is better, but I don't like their closer - he's worse than Jones.  Overall, I believe the Tigers SP has the edge on the Indians.  After Sabathia and Carmona, the 3,4, & 5 starters are average or worse.  Verlander is as good or better than CC and will be a top candidate for the Cy Young.  Bonderman, if he stays healthy, will match Carmona in wins.  The Twins won't win as many games as last year, with the loss of Santana, but they will win more than the White Sox and remain in the 3rd spot.  KC will bring up the rear, as usual.

Here's my AL Central prediction:

1. Tigers        93-69
2. Indians      92-70
3. Twins         75-87
4. White Sox  74-88
5. Royals       70-92

In the West, another two-team race.  With the addition of Bedard (if he is healthy all year), Seattle will give the Angels a run for their money and could even overtake them if the Angels pitching (Lackey, Escobar) does not get, and stay, healthy.  However, the Angels' offense is much better than the Mariners, especially if Sexson has the same type of year that he had last year.  The bullpens are comparable but I give the Angels SP (overall, 1-5) a little bit of an edge, if healthy.  Oakland and Texas won't be in the mix at all and will fight each other to stay out of the cellar.

Here's my AL West prediction:

1. Angels       92-70
2. Mariners    90-72
3. Athletics     73-89
4. Rangers    70-92

The Indians win the Wild Card.

The Tigers win the AL pennant and meet the Mets in the World Series.

Tigers beat the Mets in six games.