2006 Baseball Predictions.......American League

Ok, so Im in a big baseball mood today, so I thought id take a run at Nostradamus and throw some predictions out there. I have another fantasy draft tonight, so i want to keep in the mindset....so, here goes. Im going to do the American League today, and the NL later or tomorrow. Feel free to disagree, if anyone is out there.....

American League East - New York Yankees.
-I hate to say it, but the Yankees are loaded this year, offensively, which makes up for some of their pitching woes. This isnt a runaway this year, as I dont know if the AL East is as good as adverstised....the Yankees are loaded offensively, but the rotation of the Big Paternity Suit/Mussina/Chacon/Wang/Wright/Pavano doesnt put the scare of God into me. I see the rest of the division as such: the Blue Jays improved this year (not as improved as their payroll dictates), the Red Sox (falling back this year....chemistry loss, pitching questions) and the possibly-surprising Devil Rays, featuring some of the best young stars in the majors, as well as one of the worst pitching staffs in baseball (Doug Waechter? Seth McClung?).

American League Central - Chicago White Sox
-The pitching is still solid, especially with the addition of Javier Vasquez to the mix. Most of the lineup is still here, other than Aaron Rowand (who brought back Jim Thome, who is hitting the hell out of the ball in Spring Training). Rookie Brian Anderson replaces Rowand in center, and should be able to contribute right away. The Sox edge the Indians, who have a year under their belt and should be a solid club, but dont see them making the next step to Division Champs for perhaps another year. Lots of young talent....look for a Wild Card run. Then comes the Twins, with solid pitching yet have a piecework lineup that will get 80-82 wins. A long jump back to Detroit (pitching woes, decent lineup) and the Royals, which could be the worst team in baseball, yet again.....oh, that wonderful futility.

American League West - Los Angeles Angels
-VERY tight race....I can see this coming down to the last weekend, where, look at that! The Angels host the A's for 4 straight to end the season (LAA vs. Oak last 7 of 10 games). I still see the Angels prevailing, due to the experience factor on and off the field. Mike Scioscia is a great manager and has the experience of playing and managing in tight situations. LA has a solid lineup, a good blend of old and new, and great experience. Oakland's young talent starts developing, and guys like Blanton, Haren, Harden and Zito all should have solid numbers. Just a slight bit more inexperienced than LA....and that will cost them a few wins. The good news for LA and Oakland is that Seattle (improved, maybe .500) and Texas (Still no pitching!) play in the AL West, and should be an easy 24-26 wins for each team.

American League Wild Card - Oakland Athletics
-See above.....tight battle with Cleveland, but a little more pitching and just enough offense gets the job done. Look for a similar style to the White Sox last year, with more manufactuing of runs (guys like Ellis and Crosby). Don't rule out Milton Bradley though.....he could still singlehandedly drive this ship right into the iceberg. If their youth plays up to where they can play, this team will be OK....if not, insert Cleveland here.

American League Cy Young - Johan Santana
-No shit. This guy is just awesome....best lefthander in years. Thats about all I have....look for Rich Harden and Roy Halladay to get some votes too.





American League MVP - Vladimir Guerrero
-Tough contest....Ortiz, A-Rod, Tejada, Hafner, etc.....all have huge seasons, but Vlad's stats and contributions are the main reasons behind the Angels's success.





-American League Rookie of the Year - Francisco Liriano
-Possibly in the Twins rotation already, and looks to be a kid that is going to stay in Minnesota. (I say kid....hell, theyre all kids compared to me). Anyway, struck out 33 last year in 23.2 IP.....not half bad. Control could be a problem, but his stuff is too dominant to be ignored. Word is he could start in the bullpen....much like another lefty pitcher on the team that turned out OK....