2010 Season Predictions (American League)

As spring training rolls on,and opening day awaits I have, like many decided to make some predictions for the 2010 season.  First of all I really think Jayson Werth will do very good.  In every season he has been a Phillie his numbers and playing ability have improved.

YEAR     AVG      HR      RBI     

2007       .298       8          49 

2008       .273       24        67 

2009       .268       36        99 

As you can see every stat in what I like the call the big three has gone up in every season he was a member of the Phillies except average.  In 2007 he took only 255 at bats compared to 418 in 2008 and 571 in 2009.  It's easier to maintain a average in less at bats.  His power numbers have been on a rapid increase,  I don't see a reason this will change.

Now onto my division predictions.... 

AL EAST

1.  New York Yankees 

     The Yankees have made so many great additions to their team.  Curtis Granderson for one will solidify there center field situation which since the Bernie Williams times hasn't had 1 solid starter.  Then they made what I thought was one of the best moves of the off-season,in trading Melky Cabrera for Javier Vazquez.  They traded a so-so center fielder for a ace.  Now they have 3 aces, CC Sabathia,AJ Burnett,and Javier Vazquez.  

2.  Boston Red Sox 

     The Red Sox got much better too.  They made two key additions in John Lackey and Adrian Beltre.  With the addition of John Lackey they have the best rotation in the american league.  The Red Sox now have 3 aces in Josh Beckett,Jon Lester,and John Lackey.  

3.  Tampa Bay Rays 

     The Rays were pretty quite in the off-season.  They did add to a already strong bullpen by trading Jesse Chavez for Rafeal Soriano.  However, with the additions the Red Sox and Yankees made I'm not sure if the Rays will be able to compete for the top spot in the AL East. 

4.   Baltimore Orioles 

      The Orioles have a lot of young talent coming up through there farm.  For now the team is still in the rebuilding process.  In the next few years I think they will have a chance but for now the team will still be dominated by the powerhouses of the AL East. 

5.  Toronto Blue Jays 

     After trading Roy Halladay it is clear that this team is in the rebuilding state.  They have some talent but they need there younger players to get more experience before they can compete.  I don't think hitting will be there problem.  Aaron Hill,Adam Lind,and Travis Snider will take care of the hitting.  There pitching rotation is very young and unexperienced.   

 

CC Sabathia and the Yankees are ready to compete for another title.

AL CENTRAL   

1.  Minnesota Twins 

     Lead by Joe Mauer I think the Twins have a very good chance of winning the AL Central and making the playoffs for the second straight season.  The Twins have a very rounded rotation.  I think this will be to their advantage once the playoff hunt begins.  They won't have any games when they pitch a guy with only #5 starter stuff.  

2.  Chicago White Sox 

     The White Sox have done a great job bringing in new players to replace the vets.  In the past off-season and around the trade deadline they have brought in Mark Teahen,Jake Peavy,Alex Rios,and we have witnessed the emergence of Gordan Beckham.  

3.  Detroit Tigers 

     After barely missing the playoffs last year I think the Tigers will slip to 3rd place in the AL Central.  The lineup is not as strong without Curtis Granderson and the rotation is no where close to as strong without Edwin Jackson. 

4.  Kansas City Royals 

     Because the Indians have traded stars like Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez in the past few seasons I think the young Royals have a change to slip ahead.  Zack Greinke was the AL Cy Young Award winner and Billy Butler had a huge break out year.  Obviously this organization is headed in the right direction. 

5.  Cleveland Indians 

     What's to say about this team.  They have dealt away 3 of there best players in the last 2 seasons (Cliff Lee,Victor Martinez,and CC Sabathia).  They don't have much MLB talent on there roster.  Unless Grady Sizemore hits .400 with 60 home runs this team won't climb above 4th place. 

AL WEST 

1.  Seattle Mariners 

     The Mariners made some of the biggest moves of the off-season.  They were apart of a 4 player deal where they traded Phillipee Aumont,JC Ramirez,and Tyson Gillies for Cliff Lee.  Also they signed Chone Figgins.  The AL West will be so close but I think Seattle can edge out LA and Texas by playing good defense. 

2.  Los Angeles Angels 

     The Angels have had another poor off-season.  They lost Vladimir Guerrero,John Lackey,and Chone Figgins after losing Franciso Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira last off-season.  They still have much talent but not enough to overcome the Mariners. 

3.  Texas Rangers 

     Like I said before the AL West could go any way and will be so close.  The Rangers have so many young players that I think they will lack experience when its gets to the last few days of the season.  Many of them haven't been through a playoff race.  

4.  Oakland A's 

     This is the only team in this division that won't be contending for a playoff spot.  GM Billy Beane has them in the rebuilding stage.  They have many youngsters with high potentials.  However,for now the MLB team isn't loaded.  

 

Felix Hernandez will lead the Mariners in the AL West race.