Another Major League Baseball season is on the horizon with players reporting to spring training camps this week. All the hot talk surrounding baseball lately seems to be about who did and didn't do steroids, but I'm choosing to stay away from that and discuss the on field issues instead. No one could have foreseen the improbable run by the Colorado Rockies last season. Then again, no one would have predicted the Chicago White Sox to go all the way in 2005, and the same goes for the Marlins in 2003. The point that I'm trying to make is that there's usually at least one team throughout the MLB season that surprises everyone to have some type of success in the playoffs. I decided to pick one team from each division who has the best chance to upset some of the favorites on the way to some post season success.
AL EAST- Toronto Blue Jays: The AL East is perhaps the easiest division to predict, but this year things could be different. The Jays have underachieved the past few seasons due in part to injuries and inconsistent pitching. The core of the team has been together for a few years now, and most of their best players are in the prime of their careers. The Jays finished sixth in the A.L. last season, which some could see as a bright spot considering their top pitcher Roy Halladay was on the shelf for a good part of the season with injuries, and their highest paid player Vernon Wells had one of the worst seasons of his career. The Red Sox seem untouchable at the top of the division, but the Jays stand a realistic shot at the Wild Card if the team stays healthy. The addition of David Eckstein and Scott Rolen brings some playoff experience and perhaps a winning attitude to a team that desperately needs it. There's a lot of 'ifs' surrounding this team, but the rest of the A.L. should watch out if they can get their act together.
AL Central- Chicago White Sox: What the hell happened to this team? After winning the World Series in 2005 the team had a steady decline until they pretty much hit rock bottom last season. The team won 90 games in 2006 and with the exception of a few role players, the same same roster is pretty much in tact. This team stands a realistic chance of winning some games this season as their division won't be as tough as last season. The Twins seem to be going into rebuilding mode, while the Tigers are a big injury or two away from not living up to all their hype leading into the season. The Chi Sox will go one of two ways this season, and with a little luck they could be on the rise.
AL WEST- Oakland Athletics: Since the year 2000 the A's have made the playoffs five times, including four division championships. During all that winning Oakland's roster has been largely made up of no name players with big name skills. The only problem with the A's is that they dump those players a few years later for prospects, then do it all again. As aggravating as this may be for A's fans, it's a system that seems to work. The A's are like the little engine that could, spending next to nothing and having some success doing it. Fans shouldn't be shocked if they put it together again this year and win the division.
NL EAST- Atlanta Braves: Making the playoffs use to be automatic for the Braves, but not anymore. Their core of players from those years is gone, and they're well on their way to rebuilding a strong team. They finished six games over .500 last season when most people thought they'd be somewhere near the basement. They lost Andruw Jones, but added Tom Glavine to what should be a good rotation. They probably won't be able to win the division, but the Wild Card is a strong possibility.
NL Central- Houston Astros: The Astros had a horrendous season last year, but made some moves in the off season that could payoff. The Astros have a pretty decent roster but their problem has been staying healthy. The addition of Miguel Tejada will add some major pop to the middle of their line-up, and he should fit in great with Carlos Lee and Lance Berkman. People also forget that outfielder Hunter Pence was on his way to a rookie of the year season by hitting .322 with 147 hits in 108 games, but of course he got injured. The NL Central wasn't exactly the league's best division last year, so the Astros stand a pretty good chance of being competitive.NL West- Colorado Rockies: So the Rockies won the N.L. last year, and it appears no one is giving them a chance to get it done again this year. Their division got tougher with the D-Backs adding Dan Haren, and some major moves by the Dodgers, but the Rockies World Series roster is still pretty much in-tact. It may be a tad ridiculous to say the Rockies will be a surprise team this year considering their 90 win season last year, but they're just a team that people don't associate with winning. They play in a tough division, but they have some unreal hitters and overall as they team they're still getting better.
Now before people jump down my throat, remember that in no way are these my division winner predictions. They are simply teams I think have a good chance of surprising some of the over-hyped favorites. My complete MLB season preview which will include team and player predictions will be available in a few weeks. Until then, enjoy spring training!
-Joe Osborne
