AL Preview

Well baseball season begins on Sunday with one game and then it comes full-circle on Monday or Tuesday. I am going to put on an AL Report, an NL Report, and a Milwaukee Brewers report so as the Joker will say "Here we go..."

AL EAST:
1. Boston Red Sox- They need to have to a big year out of David Ortiz to be successful and if that happens, they can be the top team in the toughest division in baseball. The other big question will Mike Lowell be able to swing a bat like he did in the past. Watch out for Rocco Baldielli as a guy who could come out of nowhere in addition Justin Masteron-Johnathan Papelbon combination could prove to be very deadly. Its their pitching that has them at the top.

2. New York Yankees (Wildcard)- The spenders of the offseason and made you think if there was a recession really going on. I have no worries about CC Sabathia in New York but A.J. Burnett will get hurt, I can guarantee you that. I also think Mark Teixeria will have a good year as well. It will get them to the playoffs but not to the World Series by any means.

3. Tampa Bay Rays- Am I still doubting the Rays? Somewhat. There have been many teams lately to slip off a bit after a franchise year. Word on the street is Carl Crawford is looking to redeem himself and their pitching staff is still very strong include David Price into the mix too. BJ Upton and Evan Longoria should have big years again this year as well. Its going to be a three team race going down to the final weekend when its all said and done.

4. Baltimore Orioles- This will be a typical year for the Orioles. They show some promise with Adam Jones and Luke Scott. Their downfall is they have no pitching with Jeremy Guthrie being the opening day starter. They do have a couple good things in Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora then again nothing special. Matt Wieters will prove outlook for the future is great but its will not be anything to help the O's this year.

5. Toronto Blue Jays- The Fighting Sephers will find themselves at the bottom of the barrel this season. They do have Roy Halladay who will give them wins but there have already been trade rumors with him when July rolls around. After Halladay, the drop off is so severe and B.J. Ryan is a disaster in the bullpen. Their offense has Vernon Wells and then a bunch of old guys minus Adam Lind. They need to get young quick

AL CENTRAL
1. Minnesota Twins- I really think the Twins have a good thing going with Justin Morneau, Carlos Gomez and Denard Span. I know the Twins' fans do not really like Span but I think he could have a big year. Francisco Lirano could have a great year for the Twins and Kevin Slowley/Scott Baker make a formitable pitching rotation.

2. Cleveland Indians- Welcome back all you Wahoo Manics. Harry Doyle, you gotta love him anyways I really like the Indians offense especially with the addition of Mark DeRosa and I think Victor Martinez/Travis Hafner will stay healthy. The question will be the pitching staff be enough? I dont its enough to get the playoffs unless Carl Pavano comes out of nowhere for them. Also Kerry Wood as the closer is always risky.

3. Detroit Tigers- I remember last year Eric and I were so high on the Tigers thinking this was the most destructive team which was totally wrong. Apparently, I am the only guy who isnt a big Miguel Cabrera guy but I do love Curtis Granderson. They are another team with absolutely no pitching and Fransisco Rodney at closer will be a disaster.

4. Chicago White Sox- They have some good parts like Alexi Ramirez who is one of my favorite young players and I think Gavin Floyd is no joke either. But I think Carlos Quinten is a bit of a fluke add Jim Thome/Jermaine Dye getting older plus the reliability of Mark Buerhle is always a question.

5. Kansas City Royals-Bill Simmons loves this team and I think they have some great young talent although they will finished a spirited fifth. They have some good offensive tools with Alex Gordan, Billy Butler, and Mike Aviles. Their pitching staff is pretty strong with Zach Grinke and
Gil Meche. Look for the Royals to be right around the 3-5 for the whole year.

AL WEST
1. Los Angeles Angles- I will not give them the whole name but they are going to be the best team in the American League in my opinion. They have a nice offense with Vlad Guerrero being consistent as always and Bobby Aberu isnt a bad fit for them. The pitching rotation will be questionable with John Lackey not there until the end of April and Ervin Santana is pretty banged up. I still think they at the top of the table.

2. Texas Rangers- Like always they have a great offense with Nelson Cruz whose everyone favorite to be the next big thing and of course Josh Hamilton. Also add Ian Kinsler to that mix and you have an offense that can put up 8 runs a game. Although they have a pitching staff that can give up 8 runs as well. I could see if they are close to the playoffs in July making a trade for a pitcher.

3. Oakland A's- I talked earlier about how much I loved the Jason Giambi signing and Mat Holiday will be great for the team until he gets traded in late July likely. Their pitching staff is very young with Dana Evaland leading the staff worries me and Joey Devine is banged up right now in the bullpen.

4. Seattle Mariners- Another deal I loved in the offseason was the deal to bring Ken Griffey Jr. to the Mariners and they still have Adrian Beltre so I could see a pretty good offense. Felix Hernandez is a beast as a pitcher who will give them great production and Brandon Morrow is an up and coming closer. Dont be surprised if this team is around the second spot either.

NL Preview probably on Sunday.

-Charlie.