NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL

Team

Predicted Record

 Overview

Chicago
Cubs

90–72

They snagged the one free agent -- lefty RF Kosuke Fukudome, an on-base-percentage machine -- who fits their lineup just perfectly. They still have questions up the middle, though.

Milwaukee
Brewers:

88–74

They’re positioned to contend for several years, courtesy of young mashers like 1B Prince Fielder and LF Ryan Braun. It’d help if ace RHP Ben Sheets could stay healthy for more than four consecutive starts.

Cincinnati
Reds:

84–78

Too soon to expect greatness? Maybe. The franchise would be wise to closely monitor new manager Dusty Baker’s usage of promising young arms like that of RHP Homer Bailey.

Houston
Astros:

80–82

There’s a nice righty pop in the lineup now with the addition of SS Miguel Tejada, but the starting rotation and bullpen lack depth. Beware the huge defensive downgrade at shortstop.

St. Louis
Cardinals:

78–84

It looks ugly on paper -- declining vets at 2B, 3B, and CF, and only one reliable starter -- but manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan do their best work on the fl y. Plus, 1B Albert Pujols makes any lineup look better.

Pittsburgh
Pirates:

69–93

This team has two promising young starters in RHP Ian Snell and LHP Tom Gorzelanny but little else. Fantasybaseball general managers who point to the Pirates and say “I could do better” have a legitimate point.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST

Team

Predicted Record

 Overview

Arizona
Diamond-
backs:

92–70

They won 90 games last year despite once being outscored by 20 runs, but the development of RF Justin Upton and SS Stephen Drew should prevent a repeat of the latter. Besides, RHP Micah Owings hits better than half the game’s catchers and middle infielders.

Los Angeles
Dodgers:

89–73

Forget the additions of CF Andruw Jones and skipper Joe Torre. Key to the season’s outcome will be whether kids like 1B James Loney, C Russell Martin, and RF Matt Kemp are ready to carry a winning team.

San Diego
Padres:

84–78

Boy, that outfield sure looks punchless. On the other hand, the Padres haven’t fielded a big-slugging team in years but always manage to contend. Having RHPs Jake Peavy and Chris Young atop the rotation probably has something to do with that.

Colorado
Rockies:

81–81

I’m not saying that their fabulous late-season run to the 2007 World Series was a fluke, but, well, I don’t know how to finish that thought. Expect some regression now that opponents are paying attention.

San Francisco
Giants:

59–103

Last season, they barely scored any runs -- and that was with LF Barry Bonds in the lineup. Pity the poor pitchers, especially aces-in-waiting Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum: Anytime they give up more than three runs, they’re going to lose.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Team

Predicted Record

 Overview

Boston Red
Sox:

99–63

Dynasty? They won’t get as much from C Jason Varitek and 3B Mike Lowell, but the kids -- CF Jacoby Ellsbury and 2B Dustin Pedroia -- should make up the difference. Look for RHP Clay Buchholz to take the next step toward acedom.

New York
Yankees:

89–73

This is a team built to annihilate Texas in July, not to eke out wins in games against the Angels in October. Inexperience in the rotation (RHPs Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Joba Chamberlain boast 16 Major League starts among them) is a concern.

Toronto
Blue Jays:

84–78

In the National League, they’d be a pennant favorite, with the trio of RHPs Roy Halladay/A.J. Burnett/Dustin McGowan atop the rotation. In the big-boy league, they can’t hope for much more than a few games above .500.

Tampa Bay
Rays:

78–84

As witnessed by the deals in which they secured promising young arms in return for their high-talent, lowcharacter outfielders, the Rays (no longer demonic) finally get it. They’ll contend in 2009.

Baltimore
Orioles:

56–106

Trading SS Miguel Tejada was the first step in admitting that a comprehensive rebuilding effort is long overdue. And then LHP Erik Bedard was shipped to Seattle. Beyond RF Nick Markakis, there’s little here to like.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Team

Predicted Record

 Overview

Cleveland
Indians:

92–70

The only fl aw is the absence of a corner-outfield slugger. LHP C.C. Sabathia heads a staff deep in live arms, even if RHP Joe Borowski isn’t exactly a sure thing in the ninth. Another showdown with the Red Sox is looming.

Detroit
Tigers:

91–71

With the additions of 3B Miguel Cabrera and SS Edgar Renteria, the Tigers are a devastating offensive team. They’ll miss injured RHP Joel Zumaya in the late innings, though, and it’s anybody’s guess whether right-handed starter Jeremy Bonderman will rebound.

Minnesota
Twins:

79–83

Which will hurt more: the loss of ace left-hander Johan Santana (to the Mets) or the Twins’ inability to produce runs? If 1B Justin Morneau and C Joe Mauer don’t return to 2006 form, this could get ugly.

Kansas City
Royals:

74–88

Adding RF Jose Guillen for $36 million has bought the franchise more “See? We’re trying now” goodwill with the fans. But the young arms lag behind the lineup, which is anchored by Guillen, 3B Alex Gordon, and 1B Billy Butler.

Chicago
White Sox:

73–89

They’re a curious case in that they return just enough veteran power (DH Jim Thome, 1B Paul Konerko, RF Jermaine Dye) to be interesting, if everybody stays healthy. But who gets on base in front of the mashers?

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Team

Predicted Record

 Overview

Los Angeles
Angels
of Anaheim-
cramento

87–75

The acquisition of free-agent CF Torii Hunter will protect RF Vlad Guerrero in the lineup somewhat, but the last thing the Angels needed was yet another walk-resistant hitter. Still, a deep pitching staff equips them to win lots of 3–2 contests.

Seattle
Mariners

80–82

Last year’s playoffs flirtation obscured the fact that they trotted out below-average players at three of four infield positions; they won’t get away with it again. Though the acquisition of LHP Erik Bedard should shore up the rotation quite nicely.

Oakland
A’s

77–85

Even after dealing ace RHP Dan Haren, the A’s have to be taken seriously as a contender. Why? Because they catch the ball and get on base, which is what winning teams do. See, baseball isn’t complicated.

Texas
Rangers

74–88

They’re a devastating offensive team at home and a half-okay one on the road, with pitching that simultaneously inspires pity and horror. You could’ve written this same thing about the Rangers before each of the last three seasons.