AL East
Like every year, the Yankees are the team to beat in the AL East. George Steinbrenner has once again come out of the offseason with new talent and a higher payroll. The Yankees' greatest asset is their pitching depth, where they count at least seven players as experienced starters. New York will struggle a bit without the injured Derek Jeter, but look for them at the top of the standings at the end of the season. The Red Sox will be the Yankees' major challenger. Boston has two aces on their starting rotation and looks to be hitting well early in the season. The only question mark for the Sox is their bullpen, which has looked terrible, already blowing two games in the ninth inning.
Bostonian's Pick: Yankees (Red Sox-Wild Card)
Eddie's Pick: Yankees (Red Sox-Wild Card)
Note: You didn't expect two die-hard Sox fans to not pick the Red Sox to make the playoffs, did you?
AL Central
The Central is definitely the weakest division in the American League. Even though the Royals have jumped to a surprisingly quick start, I can't imagine them finishing above .500 for the season. The Twins must be considered the favorite with just about their whole team back from last season's playoff squad. The White Sox, with newly acquired Bartolo Colon, should give the Twins a battle, but I think Minnesota will survive.
Bostonian's Pick: Twins
Eddie's Pick: Twins
AL West
The West is going to be a very exciting race to watch this season. Not only does it have the defending World Series Champions, the Anaheim Angels, the West features the most talented young team in baseball, the Athletics. The A's will rely heavily upon their fantastic pitching staff of Barry Zito, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson, but have no problem slugging it out offensively. Last year's MVP Miguel Tejada is in the final year of his contract and should have another monster season. My darkhorse in the West, however, is the Mariners. Only one season removed from their record-breaking 2001 season, the Mariners have great speed, hit for average and a very reliable bullpen.
Bostonian's Pick: A's
Eddie's Pick: A's
NL East
How can anyone not pick the Braves to win the NL East? Hasn't it been 45 years since anyone else won the division? Their pitching staff is totally remodeled from last year, but Maddux and Smoltz are still kicking around and that means playoffs. The Phillies have made great improvements, adding Kevin Millwood and Jim Thome, and should challenge the Braves' reign.
Bostonian's Pick: Braves (Phillies-Wild Card)
Eddie's Pick: Phillies
NL Central
The Central has loads of talent and should be very competitive this year as the Cardinals, Cubs, Astros and Reds should all compete for a playoff spot. The Cubs have a very young, talented pitching staff and 500 home-run-guy Sammy Sosa, but the Astros are my pick to win the division. They added Jeff Kent in the offseason and last year managed to win 84 games despite sub-par seasons from Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio.
Bostonian's Pick: Astros
Eddie's Pick: Astros (Cubs-Wild Card)
NL West
In the West, the Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks all have a legitimate chance to win the division and/or a wildcard berth. Even though they lost Jeff Kent and manager Dusty Baker, the Giants must be considered the favorite to repeat as division champions. Barry Bonds had a monster spring training and looks ready to hit another 70 home run season as long as pitchers don't consistently intentionally walk him.
Babbling's Pick: Giants
Eddie's Pick: Giants
World Series
Babbling's Pick: A's over Giants
Eddie's Pick: Yankees over Phillies