But hell, I'm a glutton for punishment. So without further ado, here are this year's American League predictions.
AL EAST
Red Sox
Orioles
Yankees
Blue Jays
Rays
All tough calls. Last year the Orioles racked up 96 wins, but I can't see that happening again. I'm sure they'll still be a gritty team under Showalter, just not 96 wins gritty.
The Red Sox spent a boat-load of money on hitters, but didn't really address their pitching. I have them winning the division solely based on their offense, because I think it'll be one of the best in baseball.
Ah, my beloved Yankees. So old. So broken down. So mediocre. I'm hearing a lot of people saying that if they stay healthy they can be relevant. I'm not sold. Last year New York as a team hit for a .245 average, good for 20th in all of baseball. Guys like Carlos Beltran and Mark Teixeira looked way past their prime. Geez, Teixeira can't even stay on the field! If the Yankees are going to have any shot this year, it has to be because of the pitching staff. And even then, you're relying on CC Sabathia bouncing back and Masahiro Tanaka staying healthy. Too many if's for my liking.
I think Toronto and Tampa Bay will both finish below .500 for the season. Toronto should be able to hit, but their #1 pitcher is Drew Hutchinson. I don't know who he is either, and that's a problem. Tampa is the opposite, because they should be able to pitch, I just don't know if they can hit. Plus, they don't have the magic of Joe Madden this year.
AL CENTRAL
Tigers
Indians
Royals
White Sox
Twins
This might end up being the best Divisional race come September. I can easily see Cleveland, Detroit or Kansas City winning this thing. I think the deciding factor will be the rest of the rotation behind each team's ace. I'm not in love with the depth on any of the teams, but I think Detroit has the best potential for a good 1-2 combo with David Price and Anibal Sanchez. However, they could be done in if they stick with a shaky Joe Nathan as their closer. Look for him to lose the job at some point this season.
The White Sox have one of the best young hitters in the game right now in Jose Abreu, but he's not enough to catapult Chicago up the standings. And the Twins are the Twins. They haven't won more than 70 games in a season in 4 years, and I'm sorry to say, I don't see it happening this season either. Oh what the hell, I'm feeling good, I'll give them 71!
AL WEST
Mariners
Astros (What the f*#$?!)
Athletics
Angels
Rangers
"Holy guacamole, the man has lost his mind!!" I'm sure you're thinking the same thing as the voices in my head. But I'm sorry, I just have a funny feeling about those Astors this year. When I looked at the lineups and rotations for all of the AL West teams, the Astros look strong all around. I gave the nod to Seattle because they have Felix Hernandez and a few good hitters, and also they were decent last year, so I'll give the slight nod to experience.
The Athletics seem to be competitive every year, and this year should be no exception. They added a couple of decent bats in Billy Butler and Ben Zobrist, but I don't think it was enough to launch them into first place. The depth of their rotation will be a huge factor as to how well they do, also.
In my opinion, the Angels completely over-achieved last season. Mike Trout is without a doubt the best player in baseball. He's phenomenal. But this isn't the NBA. He can't carry this team by himself. Except for Garrett Richards and Matt Shoemaker, their rotation is aging and declining (CJ Wilson, Jered Weaver). Albert Pujols is washed up and Josh Hamilton is constantly hurt and right now battling a drug issue again. I'm sorry, I just don't see how they're going to be good.
I was wayyyy off on the Rangers last year, so I won't let it happen again. Unless Prince Fielder and Shin Soo Choo revert to their 2012 selves, this team won't compete. Let's not forget that Yu Darvish is done for the year. That stings.
Finally, the Astros. They are chock full o' potential, and I might be a season or two early in predicting them to be good, but shoot, I like the way their team looks on paper. First of all, their rotation is legit with Dallas Keuchel and Collin McHugh. And now they have several of their former top prospects in the staring lineup, such as Jon Singleton and George Springer. Adding them to a roster that already has Jose Altuve (.341 avg - 56 stolen bases) and Chris Carter (37 homeruns), should make for a pretty good season. At least I think so.
Check back in tomorrow for my National League predictions and to continue to be blown away by my psychic gifts.
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