I'll refrain from a lot of detail, but as I look ahead at the 2011 American League, I've formed some opinions. What's that you say, you'd like to read them? Well, be my guest...
AL East:
BOS wins the ALE, because they're just stacked with offense, in the most offensively-driven division (league) in baseball...not to mention very good pitching, and a solid manager in Terry Francona. I really think they are the class of the East this year, and I expect them to win without a whole lot of exciting games (race-wise) in September. NYY doesn't have the pitching in my opinion, to keep themselves in the race, and unless they pull off a big deal, I don't see them making a run. TB has something like 12 of the first 87 draft picks this summer, so while this year may not be great (I think they can compete, but doubtful they make the postseason--having Manny around a bunch of young players on a team that's not in first place gives me pause), the next year or two is when TB is much better positioned to make another run at the title. TOR's situation intrigues me. Cito is gone, which is a huge loss to the club, and Anthopolous moved Wells and his big contract. But, right after that, he inked Bautista to a big contract. First year under new management, aside from the obvious challenges of playing in the ALE...they're not in the conversation for winning this division. BAL? Now these guys are gonna be exciting to watch! Just look at their depth chart and you might find a few surprises. More familiar names than you've seen in Baltimore in quite some time--you may have forgotten they acquired that player, or perhaps didn't realize they signed that guy. Add it all up, and let Buck Showalter call the shots in his first full season at the helm, and these guys should really start to draw the crowds again. Obviously, I don't expect them to be a contender, but it's a step in the right direction, getting some sticks to protect Markakis, Wieters, and some of the other kids that had been exposed in that lineup to this point. Vladdy, D. Lee, Reynolds now in the mix...it looks like this great historical franchise is once again headed in the right direction. PIT & KC could learn something from them.
AL West:
LAA is my call here, as I expect them to score a lot of runs. I'm looking forward to checking back on this post in October to see how badly they outscored the rest of the division--I'm NOT expecting it to be close. Morales is back & now Vernon Wells has been added to the mix, this has the potential to be a dangerous lineup. With Weaver, who is quote possibly the most overlooked, underrated pitcher in the game today, leading that rotation, they're going to be in just about every game. I don't get too high on prospects until they show me what they can do at the big league level, but Trout appears to be the real deal, many baseball people saying they'd choose him over Harper, given the choice. Oh yeah, then on top of it all, you've the brilliant Mike Scioscia running the ballclub. With money to spend in July if need be, I'm of the opinion that defending AL Champion Rangers or not, the Angels are the team to beat in the West this year. I say that because SEA sucks, and everybody knows it. Other than King Felix putting on a clinic every 5th day, and a possible "Ken Griffey Jr. Day" sometime in July, there's not much to get excited about if you're a Mariners fan. OAK won't win because of low run production. Their pitching could be absolutely sick, though--possibly the best staff in the ALW, and with the good news on Bailey's arm, they might even be able to close out games if they find themselves with a late lead. TEX? I don't know WHAT to make of what's going on down there! I'm trying to keep everything in perspective by reminding myself that they just bought that team in August. But, as much as I want to believe that having Nolan Ryan in charge can only be good for a ballclub, I can't help but wonder. Greenberg's departure earlier this month, they missed out on Lee, and then they spent that [Cliff Lee] money doing two things at once: Acquiring Beltre & pissing off the franchise player. There just seems to be an awful lot of internal turmoil down there, and sooner or later that stuff ALWAYS finds its way onto the field. Or maybe it's just that they're still getting things set up the way they want down there, and in this age of internet access, blogs, satellite radio...etc, we just hear more about it than we have in the past. Either way, "CJ Wilson is your Opening Day starter" last week has turned into "Colby Lewis is your Opening Day starter", and now back to Wilson...either way, that just doesn't quite do it for me.
AL Central:
The ALC could be the best division to watch for a race all year long. I'm talking every...single...day could have more than one team sharing first place! MIN could win it--their staff and lineup, should it include a healthy Morneau (which I'm skeptical about), could certainly be a legitimate contender. These guys are right there every year, and are starting to build some postseason experience, even if most of it has been being swept by NYY. DET could also win--they're young enough, they have Miggy & VMart to help lead the offense, and that's formidable. Their rotation isn't as deep as they'd probably like (whose is?), but if Scherzer emerges as a legit #2 guy, things could work out. CWS could win too--these guys have pitching. Even if Peavy, who had looked good until the recent shoulder setback, doesn't return to his old self, they're not in bad shape. Remember the pitching the 2005 World Series? Konerko is back, and the Big Donkey is gonna mash in that park--NO reason why he doesn't hit 40 bombs & drive in 125 this year, the Sox are legit. CLE & KC aren't in the discussion yet again this year--just keepin' it real. I expect a very close race in the ALC this year, and would not be the least bit surprised to see game #163 played in that division again this year. As much as I like DET & MIN, I have to pick CWS as the team that ends the season on top in the Central, though it's a tough call to make.
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