Here are my American League predictions.
AL East - The Yankees are defending World Series Champions and will have no problem winning the East this year. After adding Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson in the off-season, they have gotten younger and could have potential for more championships.
The Red Sox are struggling at the start of the season, and while I believe they will turn it around, the window of opportunity has closed in Boston. Tampa Bay is young and will finish second in the division. Young ace David Price could win 15 games and Evan Longoria is starting to come into the prime of his career, a scary combination for the rest of the American League.
The Yankees will win the East by 5.5 games, while the Rays will win the Wild Card.
AL Central - While Minnesota did the right thing by signing star catcher Joe Mauer to a long term contract, and having a payroll in the top 10 of all MLB teams, this race will be closer than people think. The Twins could have bullpen issues since All-Star closer Joe Nathan is out for the season. Detroit added veteran outfielder Johnny Damon in the offseason and Dontrelle Willis looks like the Willis of 2003. Justin Verlander is at the top of my list for Cy Young winner and is the anchor for one of the brightest staffs in baseball. The Tigers also added top Yankee prospect Austin Jackson after dealing Granderson to New York. The sky is the limit for the young rookie.
The Twins will win the division by two games.
AL West - This could potentially be the weakest division in all of professional sports. The Angels added World Series MVP Hideki Matsui to the roster and that will give added depth to their outfield. This is the first full season for pitcher Scott Kazmir on the Angels, and he has shown that he could be the ace of the staff.
Seattle did the right thing by adding Cliff Lee to their rotation. The Mariners now have a solid number two starter behind Felix Hernandez. With Lee on the disabled list to start the season Seattle still looks to be at least two or three seasons away before there is improvement in the Emerald City.
Award Winners:
MVP - Alex Rodriguez
Cy Young- Justin Verlander
Rookie of the Year - Austin Jackson
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