MLB Tribune

2010 American League Predictions

by Scooter on 01/01/2010 in MLB News

The New Year is here and baseball is not that far off. This winter has been cold here in the mid west and the baseball winter trades have been warm at best. So, what is expected in the 2010 Baseball season?

I am sure many baseball fans are excited and are looking forward to the new season. It should be an outstanding season with the New York Yankees defending their title.

Here are my predictions by division for the American League.

American League

East

New York Yankees (104-58) – Will win the division with an improved team both offensively and defensively over the 2009 team. The Yankees have Gardner penciled in at Left and they may sign a veteran soon, but who?

Boston Red Sox (94-68) – They have added John Lackey, but still have offensive worries now that Bay is gone and Mike Lowell’s health issues. David Ortiz is a year older and is looking to rebound off an awful start in 2009. Wild Card team, but watch out for the Mariners or Angels.

Tampa Bay Rays (82-80) – Nothing different than last year after an incredible 2008 campaign, but that is long removed and 2010 will not be any better than last season.

Toronto Blue Jays (72-90) – The neighbors north may just embrace hockey this season knowing their Blue Jays will be among the walking wounded. They made little or no progress during the winter meetings.

Baltimore Orioles (64-98) – Same old crap, same old cellar dwellers.

Central

Minnesota Twins (90-72) – With Mauer and a Morneau healthy, the Twinkies should win the division. They also have other offensive powers in Michael Cuddyer (32 HRs) and Jason Kubel (103 RBI).

Detroit Tigers (81-81) – They lost Curtis Granderson and 30 home runs and only have 3 strong offensive players in Miguel Cabrera, Brandon Inge and Magglio Ordonez. They do have Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello, but that won’t be enough to contend for a division title.

Chicago White Sox (80-82) – The song remains the same for Ozzie’s gang. They have Paul Konerko their offensive leader and Mark Buehrl, but the South Siders will need a lot more to stay competitive in the Central.

Kansas City Royals (64-98) – At least they didn’t finish last in 2009, but they’re still not going any where fast, unless Zack Greinke can start 80 games this year which would be 1900′s baseball.

Cleveland Indians (62-100) – What a mess this Indians team will be in 2010. It will be like watching the movie Major League before they found a way to win. The new addition of Carl Pavano may give them a few more wins over last year, but not enough to be competitive.

West

Los Angeles Angels (97-65) – They added Hideki Matsui for some needed offense after losing Chone Figgins. They lost their big arm in John Lackey to the Red Sox and this could make a difference on whether they win the division or not.

Seattle Mariners (94-68) – They have the best one-two punch in newly signed Cliff Lee and their big man King Felix Hernandez. They also signed Chone Figgins for some needed offense. This team has made some nice moves this winter and should be much improved and possible make a run for the division or worst case a Wild Card bid.

Texas Rangers (82-80) – Andruw Jones will barely make a difference this year for the Rangers. They didn’t have one player with 100 RBIs in 2009. They will be a little worse than their 2009 record.

Oakland Athletics (79-83) – It’s not going to be a fun 2010 campaign for the Athletics. They added Justin Duchscherer who could have a decent season if he stays healthy physically and mentally.

National League Predictions coming soon.

What are your American League Predictions?