1. New York Yankees:
As much as it pains me to admit this as a Bostonian, at this juncture you simply can't go against the over paid "Evil Empire". I mean they are the defending champs, and the leaders in every major offensive category as it stands, and on paper they are the best team. Which means repeat in 2010 right? Well I'm not convinced, I know they did win the World Series last year but the questions of this teams chemistry are still not put to rest in my mind. I mean sure if you put together a team of all-stars they are bound to be successful at least once out of ten years, but I still don't believe all the massive egos and paychecks have yet meshed on this team. If they repeat this year then sure I will be proved wrong, and will put my foot in my mouth but I'm not 100% sold quite yet.
Key Player: Alex Rodriguez
Although A-Rod might be the best player on the best player on the planet, lets face it, he hasn't quite yet been himself yet while in the pin stripes, and who knows a world series ring might have been the kick in the behind he needed but that also remains to be seen. In 2009 A-Rod did have a 100 RBI season that is far above league average, but it was also the lowest total in his career since 1997, which does say something about his career, but also says something about his current status, and was a far cry from his godly 156 RBI's in 2007. Expect to see A-Rod to return to 115-120 RBI's in 2010 if the Yankees expect to repeat.
Verdict: With all this said, I do still expect the Yankees to win the AL East with somewhere around 97-100 wins. A trip to the world series? Still to early to tell but they are definitely early contenders, and favorites.
2. Boston Red Sox
After an odd first round disappearance by the Red Sox in 2009 the Sox are headed in a new direction in 2010. Venturing away from their past formula for success in 2010 the Red Sox are depending on defense not only to carry them into the playoffs but to hopefully beat "Those Damn Yankees" and their heavy bats. The additions of Marco Scutaro, Victor Martinez, Mike Cameron and Adrian Beltre will definitely go a long way towards achieving this goal. Mike Cameron specifically will be key to the success or failure of this new direction. The experienced veteran will be playing center field which will move, hometown favorite Jacoby Ellsbury to left field with the ominous green monster shadowing over his shoulders. It is the hope of the Red Sox that Cameron will be able to help mold the young Ellsbury into a top defensive player for the future long after Cameron is gone. It is also important to not the Red Sox schedule this season. Last year the Sox were 56-25 at home which was good enough for second best home record in the bigs. This season 41 of their first 71 games are at home, which means the Red Sox will have to do something they aren't exactly proficient at, which is getting hot early. If they can be their success in 2010 will be almost certain.
Key Player: Jacoby Ellsbury
Although his focus will be on improving his defense this season Jacoby's influence on offense will be much more key in 2010. In 09 he lead the bigs with 70 steals and was a tremendous lead off hitter. This year however, he will have to become even more. With the questions surrounding the production of the bottom of the Sox lineup it will no longer be an option for Jacoby to drive in runs if the 7, 8, and 9 spots get on base, but it will be a necessity for success. He will also have to improve his already good on base percentage. Jacoby will need to get on base to be the early spark for the heart of the lineup to drive home, in the event that the bottom of the lineup, does indeed fail to provide runs.
Verdict: I see the Red Sox once again winning the AL Wild Card spot with wins around 90-95. For them to get to the World Series however they will need to be able to match the run production of the Yankees in an almost inevitable match up of the two teams in a seven game series.
3. Minnesota Twins
For the twins their formula for success will mirror that of 09's. Mauer + Mauer = even more Mauer. The 2009 AL MVP will need to continue on his tracks to success for the Twins to experience a playoff run this season. Mauer lead all catchers in 2009 in Runs, Hits, Home Runs, and Batting Average, look for more of the same in 2009, unless he is sidelined with an injury. This is not to say however that all the Twins have is the All-Star catcher. They also get much needed production from Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer, who were crucial components in the Twins 2009 AL Central winning outing. I see no reason for history not to repeat itself here, as I see them yet again winning the Central.
Key Player:
Lets face it the guy in Minnesota will always be Mauer but quietly becoming a force yet again is Cuddyer. After a disappointing 2008 for Cuddyer, he responded in 09 with 91 RBI's, 32 Home Runs, and a .276 average. I'm not saying Cuddyer has another 2006 in him, but I'm also not saying that he doesn't.
Verdict:
I see 2010 being a good year for the Twins, a healthy Joe Mauer pending. They can once again win the Central, although there will be some competition. I predict them having anywhere from 93-95 wins this year and a spot in the playoffs. As far as a World Series run? I just don't see it yet for this team. I feel as though they are still one or two pieces away from the front running Red Sox and Yankees, but come playoff time, anything can happen.
4. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
In a competition for the most un-necessarily long name in the MLB, the Angels of Anaheim, or LA/California/HIJK....LMNOP would win easily but here in the MLB things are a bit more complicated. Although in 2009 the Angles did very easily win the AL West and were a series away from the World Series 2009 was a year of key disappointments for the Angels. In 2009 the Angels did muster up 97 wins but lacked contributions from a one time ace Ervin Santana. The 17 game winner in 2008 simply just did not show up in 2009 with an un-impressive 8 and 8 record and a 5.03 ERA it's quite apparent Ervin Just wasn't up to the challenge in 2009. With the loss of John Lackey the Angels are going to need Ervin even more in 2010, and if he can succeed I don't see any reason why they can't get over the hump and make it to the World Series.
Key Player: Torii Hunter
Although Torii Hunter is no longer the man in Minnesota it doesn't mean he can't be in Anaheim. When Hunter came to the Angels in 2008 he was coming off a 107 RBI season in Minnesota and for the past 2 years Hunter has fallen short of that mark, only dialing it up for 78 in 08 and 90 in 09. In order for the Angels to be the AL champs Hunter must play like they already are.
Verdict: 2010 might just be the Angels year if things go right for them. With that said simply put it can happen. I see the Angels finding themselves around the 89-92 wins mark and turning it on late, and in the playoffs. A World Series run might be in their future, if they sell their souls to the devil.
Tomorrow will be the post for the National League so please re-visit.
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