MLB Predictions II

AL Central - Kansas City, Minnesota, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit

It is difficult to defend this pick logically, but it's what I think will happen. Brian Anderson seems to be on the Woody Williams path of coming to life after a trade, and the KC bullpen is much improved over last year. Minnesota won't be hurting as much as people think, unless the bullpen there turns into a complete disaster. I don't trust Chicago's pitching staff, but they will stay in the pennant chase all year. Cleveland is a more interesting team than people think, but Detroit will just be starting the long slog back to respectability.

NL Central - Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee

Houston added Clemens and Pettitte to a rotation that wasn't far off the pace last year. I also have concerns about Prior's health left over from his noticeable decline last September, and the fact he's missing April only heightens them. The Cubs, however, remain my favorite NL team. St. Louis needs some pitchers to step up before they can join the party. The Reds are the team most likely to surprise this year. Pittsburgh is mainly trying to field trade bait, while Milwaukee will struggle on both sides of the ball.

NL West - San Francisco, Arizona, San Diego, Los Angeles, Colorado

This division will come down to who can get the most out of their talent, and for that I've learned to trust San Francisco. Arizona will try to win with offense and a patch-together rotation behind Johnson and Webb, though their bullpen looks sharp. San Diego is climbing through the ranks, but won't win until next year. Los Angeles will miss Kevin Brown more they realize, as their anemic offense leaves no margin for error. I just don't like the Rockies this year.