Tomorrow night is the beginning of the baseball season, as the Cardinals begin their defense of their World Series title against the Mets. The game, for those wishing to watch it, will be on ESPN2, rather than the more popular ESPN, because they have to show women’s college basketball. Nothing against women’s college basketball, but I would have thought that it would be better business to put the more popular sport on the more popular channel. But I guess that’s just me. In any case, on to my favorite division to preview. Favorite because there are only 4 teams.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels Angels of Anaheim are pretty clearly the best team in this division, especially if they can avoid the injury problems that plagued them last year. With Bartolo Colon, Ervin Santana, and John Lackey headlining their rotation, K-Rod in the bullpen and an offense that features Valdimir Guerrero, they should have this weakened division locked up by June. Of course, that’s not how the Angels roll, so expect Chone Figgins to have another subpar year and Howie Kendrick to blow out both knees running out a grounder, just to make things interesting.
Oakland A’s: The A’s lost their ace pitcher and their 56 year old offensive spark in the offense, but far be it from me to doubt this team. They still have good pitchers and some emerging young hitters. They won’t be nearly as good as they were last year, but they won’t be a pushover either, and late in games, Huston Street will ensure victories.
Texas Rangers: The Rangers made a lot of unusual moves in the offseason, adding Kenny Lofton and Sammy Sosa to the outfield, and making Eric Gagne their closer. They did a lot of treading water, and losing Carlos Lee really hurts, but they have more talent than the A’s. Unfortunately, Texas teams tend to break down late in the year after playing all those games in oppressive heat, and this year should be no different, especially with those old guys on the team.
Seattle Mariners: The Mariners are the best worst team of a division there is. So that’s nice. Their pitching staff is passable, although not really great, and their offense has a lot of power, which doesn’t matter, since they can’t get anyone on base. If a couple of things click, they could turn the division upside down.
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