2011 Team Predictions: Tony

AL East

With the RedSox having probably the best offseason of anyone this year (Gonzalez and Crawford alone do that), they clearly have to be the favorite for the division. Most would also just assume that the Yanks are going to be battling them for the Division crown, but as stagnant as they were, it seems like age could start to catch up to them soon if not this year. The Jays made a big push last year, but shipped out would-be big contributors in Wells and Marcum. I really like what Buck is doing with the O's, and the September run from last season just might carry over. Along with many very solid additions to the starting lineup and they are looking to make a push. While the Rays cant just loose all that talent, and expect a bunch of rookies, and past their prime vets to pick up the slack.

1. Boston Red Sox
2. Baltimore Orioles
3. New York Yankees
4. Tampa Bay Rays
5. Toronto Blue Jays

AL Central

While Joe Nathan might be better, Morneau cant seem to shake the concussions. Their offense is going to struggle. While adding possibly the divisions most impactful bat in Dunn, and assuming Peavy makes his way back at some point, the White Sox could finish off what they came so close to last year. Detroit should make it a close race all the way, especially if Verlander is the Cy Young candidate that he should be this year. Cleveland is still in shambles, and will most likely be shipping its 3 big pieces out by the Trade Deadline. While the Royals will once again give their fans an April full of hope, while quickly disappearing as one of the worst in baseball with no organizational direction.

1. Chicago White Sox
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Minnesota Twins
4. Cleveland Indians
5. Kansas City Royals

AL West

Losing Cliff Lee seems like a massive hit, he was only worth about 5 wins in the regular season to the Rangers. Now adding Beltre and convincing Young to stay, they can offset that loss. It wont be a runaway like last year, especially with the Rotation that the A's have. But like everyone else is asking, where is the offense going to come from? The Angels should start to right the ship and jump in this race, especially if Morales can return. Seattle has Ichiro, and thats all the organization seems to worry about. (Lets just hope they dont ship Felix to the Yanks)

1. Texas Rangers
2. Los Angeles Angels
3. Oakland Athletics
4. Seattle Mariners

NL East

The Phillies might be the team getting the most unwarranted hype in recent memory. Yes their rotation is stacked, but they are already falling apart. With their best everyday player, Utley, on their roster out till the All Star break, can they really count on Rollins and Howard to consistently provide offense? The Braves rotation is just as impressive, if not more, and they have the lineup to back it up as long as Chipper stays healthy.The Nationals are starting to build something, but are still a few years away The Marlins always seem to make their way into the thick of things, why should this season be anything different?. And the Mets are about to officially hit Rock Bottom.

1. Atlanta Braves
2. Florida Marlins
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Washington Nationals
5. New York Mets

NL Central

Can the Reds really have everyone on the roster have a career year again? Dont think so, they will have a drop off. While the Brewers are easily my pick for disappointment of the year. Too many holes in the offense and completely unreliable rotation. The Cubs are ready to surprise people with the new direction of the club, but they cant get away from the same overpaid, underachieving veterans they have had for years. The Pirates are stuck in sub-mediocrity, while the Astros are still amid rebuilding. It might be a bit of homerism, but our Redbirds could definitely take this division without much of a fight. The NL Central has been the worst division in baseball for some time, why should we assume that has changed?

1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Chicago Cubs
3. Cincinnati Reds
4. Milwaukee Brewers
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates

NL West

The Giants made a great run last year with duct tape and glue (Renteria and Ross), while adding only more age, their pitching has an uphill battle to climb. The Rockies have a ton of talent, and a potential MVP in Tulo. San Diego shipped off its only great player, and will be scrapping all year. The Dbacks, like the Rockies, have a ton of talent. Just not as much nor the pitching to back it up. And just like those two, the Dodgers are in the same boat with a ton of talent. But last season was clearly affected by outside distractions. They are still a great team, and should show it now that they can focus on baseball.

1. Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Colorado Rockies
3. San Francisco Giants
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. San Diego Padres

Wild Card Teams

• AL - Baltimore Orioles

Buck Showalter has that young team believing in his message, and for one magical season that might just be enough to force their way past the Yankees. It will clearly cause the Yanks to head out next offseason on another spending spree burring the O's again, but hey it should be a fun ride

• NL - Colorado Rockies

The Rockies always seem to find some way to be part of the playoffs, and its always exciting. For the same reason it was hard to leave the Twins out of the AL playoffs. Alittle bit of Roctober is good for everyone.

World Series

Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves

There might have been a few surprises in the standings, but when it comes to playoff baseball these two have what it takes. Great rotations with just as good lineups to back it up. Braves in 6 to send Chipper out on top.

AL Awards

• MVP - Adrian Beltre TEX
• Cy Young - Dan Haren LAA
• Rookie - Kyle Drabek TOR

NL Awards

• MVP - Matt Kemp LAD
• Cy Young - Matt Cain SF
• Rookie - Domonic Brown PHI