Countdown to the 2009 season: Predictions

American League
East Division
Tampa Bay Rays: 95 wins
Sure, things could fall apart in Tampa, but we don't think so. The pitching is too deep. And if things work out, the Rays will be able to keep David Price on the farm for more seasoning. They definitely don't want to go the Mark Prior route with him. It wouldn't be shocking if Carl Crawford had an MVP-like season, hitting 20 homers, stealing 60 bases, scoring 120 runs, driving in 75 and batting .310.

Boston Red Sox: 93 wins
The Beaneaters are getting older. And production dropped for David Ortiz, Mike Lowell and Jason Varitek last season. So the team will need big numbers from Jason Bay, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury. The key will be J.D. Drew. If the outfielder can't make his way into the lineup 135 times, the Red Sox will be in trouble. Pitching should not be trouble, however. Josh Beckett, John Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka are as dominant a front three as anyone has.

New York Yankees: 86 wins
Either The Southpaw is full of crazy folk or we can't understand what the fuss was about this offseason. The Yankees spent a ton of money. A lot of teenagers spent a lot of money on the Sega Saturn. That didn't turn out to well, did it? CC Sabathia is a horse. No doubt about that. But where he's Secretariat, AJ Burnett is Eight Bells. He's averaged 21 starts a season and only once more than 12 games. Can you say Jaret Wright? And the Yankees lost Bobby Abreu and his 100 runs, 100 RBI and .296 average are in Anaheim while Jason Giambi's 32 homers are in Oakland. Jorge Posada is coming off a major injury, Hideki Matsui has averaged 95 games a season the past three years. But Mark Teixeira is supposed to make up for all that. Please.

Toronto Blue Jays: 75 wins
There's a chance, albeit a small one, that this team could sneak up on people. There are some quality bats and some quality arms. Lets be honest, Roy Halladay is two 18-20 win-seasons from being a lock Hall of Famer. So he could lead the Blue Jays back to the playoffs. But the bet here is that they'll fall out of contention just in time for the All-Star break.

Baltimore Orioles: 73 wins
Oh how it pains me to do this. This club is on the verge of relevency. There are top flight talents in Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters. The pitching seems to be coming around. But, it we're going to be true to ourselves, contention will begin in 2010. That said, the team will be within seven games of first place in mid-June. If the team is smart it won't trade any prospects for any veterans unless it can get someone young, who still has at least two years on a contract. But it could use the trading deadline to deal some veteran talent for more prospects.

Central Division
Minnesota Twins: 93 wins
This is a risky pick because of Joe Mauer's health. You'd have to live under a rock to not know Mauer and Justin Morneau are legitimate forces. But with Carlos Gomez and Delmon Young having a year in the Metrodome under their belts, the 23-year-olds should be very productive. Their production, and that of the young pitchers should put this team well over the top.

Cleveland Indians: 91 wins It's an odd-numbered year. That's all that matters. Since 1997, the Indians have averaged 89 wins in odd-numbered years and 80.6 wins in even numberd seasons. It's a safe bet Cliff Lee won't win the Cy Young again, but he and the other starters should keep the team competitive. It's the strong bullpen, anchored by Kerry Wood, that could keep the Indians in contention.

Kansas City Royals: 85 wins They're relevent again. George Brett must be smiling. Starting pitchers Zach Greinke, Kyle Davies and Gil Meche. The big question is actually the offense. Will the young players such as Mark Teahan reach their potential.

Detroit Tigers: 80 wins What seemed like a certain bet last year, has many questions remaining from one of the most disastrous seasons in memory. The talent is there. On the mound, at the plate and in the field. If this team doesn't contend, Jim Leyland's legacy could change drastically.

Chicago White Sox: 72 wins Sure, there are some boppers. But they're all getting old. And the pitching staff because of a horrendous defensive unit. With Ozzie Guillen's temperment, this could only lead to one thing: an open player revolt.

West Division
Oakland Athletics: 88 wins
There's something about this team. Billy Beane did a wonderful job fixing all of the Athletics problems. They're going to hit. Jason Giambi could have a shortlived renaissance in Oakland, and a full season with Matt Holliday should remind A's fans of the Bash Brothers. Their young pitchers should pitch. But if things don't work out, well, the Angels will take over.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 87 wins
It's hard to see the pitching staff holding up, but the team does have strong defense. The addition of Bobby Abreu should help Vlad Guerrero. But the biggest thing the team has going for it is Mike Scioscia, the game's best manager. But injuries to the pitching staff could derail this club.

Seattle Mariners: 77 wins
Who wouldn't want to see Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro in the playoffs on the same team? Only a heartless jerk. But this team just doesn't have the pitching or supporting cast to make the trip to October. It should improve on last season. However, it says here that Junior will hit 30 homers, drive in 90 and make the All Star team.

Texas Rangers: 59 wins
This team is aweful. But Michael Young is very, very good. And it would be nice to see Josh Hamilton have another strong season. But the team is still going to be aweful.

National League
East Division
Philadelphia Phillies: 96 wins
Their the World Champs. The Mets have collapsed two straight seasons. Despite major improvements to the New York Metropolitans, it's hard to see things ending any other way. That said, it's also hard to see Cole Hamels pitching a full season. Too many pitches last year. Too many injuries in his past. But the Phils should be able to count on a strong season from Brett Myers in his walk year. And that offense should torch some of the National League's weaker pitching. Ryan Howard could hit 60 homers. Chase Utley could hit 60 doubles and Jimmy Rollins could steal 60 bases.

New York Mets: 95 wins
The key to the offseason wasn't Francisco Rodriguez. It was J.J. Putz, who might have to take over the closer's role since K-Rod's velocity has dropped so much. But this team still has some strong offense. But this team has to hit in September. The Gary Sheffield expiriment won't work.

Atlanta Braves: 90 wins
Bobby Cox has a very good pitching staff to work with again. Javier Vazquez and Derek Lowe will prove to be a better pair of pickups than CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett. The offense should also be solid. Chipper Jones won't win the batting title, but he'll hit .300 with 20 homers and 80 runs driven in. Can't ask for much more from a 37-year-old. Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson could have breakout seasons.

Florida Marlins: 77 wins
Some people are picking this team as a dark horse. But it's hard to see the worst defense in baseball not having an effect on the pitching staff. And the offense could take a step back. However, Hanley Ramirez and Justin Hermida could be fun to watch.

Washington Nationals: 75 wins
Ryan Zimmerman and Jordan Zimmerman will be worth a ticket. John Lannan might not be an ace for most teams, but he's a building block. This team is moving in the right direction. And Adam Dunn will hit 35 homers. But the Nats are still three players away from contention: Chase Utley, CC Sabathia and Ichiro.

Central Division
Chicago Cubs: 98 wins
This was the best team in baseball last year. And it will be this year. But don't expect a World Series win. This team will never win it all. Never. If they couldn't do it last year. Or in 2004, they'll never do it.

Houston Astros: 86 wins
When you have Lance Berkman and Roy Oswalt on your roster it's hard not to have a winning season. The team is missing some pieces needed for contention, but the team should give its fans plenty to cheer for.

Cincinnati Reds: 84 wins
There's a ton of young talent here. Seriously, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Johnnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez and Brandon Phillips are ready to burst onto the national scene. Plus Aaron Harang is one of the must underrated pitchers on the planet. Complimentary players such as Micah Owings, Bronson Arroyo and Edwin Encarnacion should be what's needed to put this team in contention.

Milwaukee Brewers: 79 wins
There should be no problem for this team to score runs. Its stopping the other teams from scoring that will be a problem. Sure the Brewers have four players who could pop 30 homers, but they could also have four pitchers give up that many.

St. Louis Cardinals: 73 wins
This team got a ton of production from players having career years last season and it's hard to see them repeating those efforts. It's pretty much just Prince Albert and the Knothole gang. There's nowhere near enough pitching to contend.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 69 wins
The Pirates are taking steps in the right direction. The problem is they're baby steps. There's not much talent here, as evidenced by the team's minor leaguers losing to a community college last week. If the Pirates win 90 games this year, The Southpaw will eat his bobblehead collection.

West Division
Los Angeles Dodgers: 93 wins
This team is loaded with young talent that experienced the playoffs last season. It would be a shock if they didn't win 85 games. But, with Joe Torre, they should stretch that number to 93 and walk away with the division. Look for breakout campaigns from Andre Ethier and Cory Wade.

Arizona Diamondbacks: 83 wins
There's a strong pitching contingent in the desert, but aside from Stephen Drew and Justin Upton, there's not much offense.among the cacti. Chris Young has pop, but no average and Eric Byrnes was probably a one-year wonder. The team should contend until the Dodgers pull away in August.

San Francisco Giants: 75 wins
It's funny how the NL West has a ton of pitching but not enough offensive firepower to outslug the International League. For the Giants to contend too much would have to fall in their favor. Aaron Rowand would have to hit .300 with 25 homers, Edgar Rentaria would have to get 180 hits. Randy Johnson would have to win 15 games. Those three things happening in 2004 were a possibility. In 2009, it's a pipe dream.

San Diego Padres: 72 wins
Again, some decent arms, but no sticks. If you could go back in time and kidnap the Padres' 1989 Opening Day starting lineup and put them with this pitching staff you'd have a damn good team. Think about it. A lineup of Roberto Alomar at second, Tony Gwynn in right, Jack Clark at first, John Kruk in left, Benito Santiago catching and Gary Templeton at short, with Jake Peavy and Chris Young at the front of your rotation.

Colorado Rockies: 59 wins
This is going to be ugly. We're talking hairless, one-eyed, three-legged kitten ugley. This team does have some offensive talent, but playing in the pitching-rich West will be crippling.

The playoffs:

ALDS
Rays over Athletics in five games. Evan Longoria comes up big.
Red Sox over Twins in four games. Boston overmatches the young Minnesota squad.
NLDS
Phillies over Dodgers in a taught five games. Dodgers 'pen coughs up two late leads.
Cubs over Mets in five games. Zambrano can't be beaten twice.

ALCS
The Rays and Red Sox develop a rivalry after a second-straight year of a seven game ALCS. This time, the Red Sox win.
NLCS
The Phillies become the first repeat pennant winners in the Senior Circuit since the 1995-96 Braves when Jimmy Rollins leads them to a six-game victory over the Cubs.

The World Series
A classic series pits Cole Hamels against Josh Beckett in Games 1 and 5. Jaime Moyer gets his first World Series win. Jason Bay has a game-winning hit. Ryan Howard takes Jonathan Papelbon deep to tie a game. Dustin Pedrio and Chase Utley show tons of grit at second base. Little Leaguers everywhere beg their dads and coaches to let them play second.
Those are the clues; you tell me who won the series. I say the fans did.

Here's some notes on individual performances:
AL MVP:
1. Kevin Youkilis
2. Justin Morneau
3. Carl Crawford
4. Matt Holliday
5. Grady Sizemore

AL Cy Young:
1. John Lester
2. Mariano Rivera
3. Roy Halladay
4. Gil Meche
5. James Shields

Rookies to watch:Baltimore: catcher Matt Weiters, pitcher Koji Uehara; Rangers: shortstop Elvis Andrus, catcher Taylor Teagarden; Athletics: pitcher Gio Gonzalez; Indians: Matt LaPorta

Managers in the drivers seat: Trey Hillman, Mike Scioscia, Ron Gardenhire, Joe Maddon.

Managers in the hot seat: Joe Girardi, Ozzie Guillen, Jim Leyland

Here's some notes on individual performances:
NL MVP:
1. Lance Berkman
2. David Wright
3. Ryan Howard
4. Manny Ramirez
5. Albert Pujols

NL Cy Young:
1. Roy Oswalt
2. Carlos Zambrano
3. Brandon Webb
4. Brad Lidge
5. Tim Lincecum

Rookies to watch:Braves: pitcher Tommy Hanson; Marlins: outfielder Cameron Maybin; Cardinals: outfielder Colby Rasmus; Pirates: outfielder Andrew McCutchen

Managers in the drivers seat: Charlie Manuel, Jerry Manuel, Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, Lou Pinella
Managers in the hot seat: Tony LaRussa, Clint Hurdle, anyone in the Pirates dugout.