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As yet another MLB Season approaches; we will take a look at the game that ceases to amaze. Every Year: stories errupt, and players fall, as others break out of their shells. The 2009 Offseason has provided with countless stories, and it has all led to this 2010 Season, one that should go in MLB History like many others.

AL East

1. New York Yankees

There is absolutely no doubt that the Yankees will win their division, barring a heap of injuries. They simply have too much talent and appeal(and money) to not win. Though they have lost their World Series MVP Matsui(To The Angels), they have replaced him with an long-time proven player, in Nick Johnson. They have also added Javier Vazquez, who should take much of the load off CC and the rest of the cast. As usual, Hughes and Joba have been some of the most talked about pitchers in the offseason, but only time will tell if these 2 talented, talented pitchers will get a chance to start when the season begins.

2. Baltimore Orioles* (Wild Card)

Surprised? Me too. The team is very young and not ready to do anything at all and they’re at the #2 spot in one of the toughest divisions in baseball. There is no doubt that they have the offense to be here, but the real question is their league last pitching. After signing Gonzo and Millwood, they have significantly improved their staff, but it will truly take a miracle from their young guys like Matusz and Hernandez to truly get them into the playoffs.

So why do I have them here? Because I was stupid enough to say they would.

3. Boston Red Sox

The once feared Red Sox offense is a sham of what it used to be. On he other side, they’re pitching staff is arguably the best in the league. Bottom line is that if they can get any production from the Retirement Home they call their offense, they’ll probably lock up that Wild Card Title. But being the ignorant Angels fan that I am, they won’t get a chance to play in October.

4. Tampa Bay Rays

Their offense and defense is as solid as it could get, but their pitching staff could use some help. With James Shields being the likely Opening Day Starter, you can see how lowly they really are. The group is basically a group average pitchers with one talented pitcher that could make or break this entire club. Knowing Price, nothing special will happen. Too add to that, their bullpen is questionable as well.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

No explanation needed.

AL Central

1. Chicago White Sox

The White Sox will come into this season as the one of the most overlooked and underrated teams in the league. They have one of the most complete pitching staffs in the league, even with Jenks missing some time. Both Juan Pierre and Andrew Jones have something to prove even at their age, and both will do something special this year. Quentin is bound to get back into form and Rios has all the talent in the world, not to mention the double machine Gordon Beckham

2. Detroit Tigers

Question Marks are surrounding this Tigers Organization. They have both the leaders and stars to get to a championship, but their supporting cast is average at best. They simply don’t have the pitching, hitting, or relievers to get to the playoffs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make a run. If Ordonez can truly bounce back, they are a team to fear.

3. Minnesota Twins

People are underestimating Joe Nathan’s injury. He was the best at his position for the past few years and is one of the few true closers in the league. The simple fact of the matter is that he closed games like no other. He was their surefire option when the game ended, and now they don’t have him. Like the Tigers, their supporting cast is questionable, and with Nathan’s injury, their pitching could be the worst in the league.

4. Kansas City Royals

The team has almost no chance at a title, but it doesn’t mean they’ll settle for last. I truly believe that this Alex Gordon’s year, and even if it isn’t, they have another capable star backing him up in Fields. They have a pretty damn good outfield, and Butler is probably the most underrated player in Baseball.

5. Cleveland Indians

They simply have nothing going for them. Fausto Carmona is useless after players discovered that they don’t have to swing at his sinker. Grady Sizemore and Branyan are the only bright spots in their lineup, and its going to take more than that to get them out of last.

AL West

1. Los Angeles Angels

May be a biased pick here, but they are still a very talented team. They’ve lost many stars, but have replaced them with very capable players. Their pitching staff is solid 1-5, though closing is a struggle. Their offense should have no time struggling this season, even without Figgins. Brandon Wood will be a great, underrated power threat, and the simple fact, is that Mike Sciosca can guide this team through anything.

2. Seattle Mariners

They’ve gotten plenty this offseason with Figgins and Lee, but they’ve lost a key player as well. Branyan WAS their offense for a large part of last season, and they won’t be the same without him. Cliff Lee is probably the most overrated player out there. Jose Lopez will most likely provide them with a great season, but this team is just not close to competing with the likes of the Angels.

3. Texas Rangers

Look for Rich Harden to finally become the guy this year, but even this great offense won’t be able to help this pitching staff. It has holes in countless places and is inconsistent as any out there. As much as I hate to say it, Vlad is not the same guy he once was, though still a great option at DH. Expect to get 20 HRs, but don’t expect to do it thoroughly. Their relievers are some of the best in the league, but with Feliz struggling with injuries, they will have some hard times.

4. Oakland Athletics

Their offense is by far, the worst in the MLB. Relief is really their strong point, and even that is a bit worry some. They are just too young, inexperienced, and lack the talent that a so called “good” team would have.

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