2008 American League Predictions

With one game already in the books, here are my 2008 American League predictions:

AL EAST
RED SOX 92-70
YANKEES 89-73
BLUE JAYS 84-78
ORIOLES 77-85
D' RAYS 70-92

AL CENTRAL
INDIANS 94-68
TIGERS 93-69 (wild card)
WHITE SOX 87-75
TWINS 78-84
ROYALS 69-93

AL WEST
ANGELS 89-73
MARINERS 84-78
RANGERS 71-97
A'S 64-98

SYNOPSIS: It looks to me like there won't be any runaway teams this year, with no one poised to crack 95 wins. I think the Indians have the best bullpen in the AL, with the Red Sox a close second. The bullpen has become more important in the last 5 years or so, even possibly more so than the rotation.

I have seen some people picking Tampa Bay to finish in the top 3 in the East, but beyond the top of their rotation, they still don't have enough to compete. Don't write off the Blue Jays this year. With a couple of (good) breaks, they could win a division that the Yankees and 'Sox have dominated for years.

I love the makeup of the Indians this year, but the Tiger offense will give them a run for their money. I still believe that pitching is more important than offense when it come to winning games, and thus, the Tigers will settle for the wild card. My surprise pick is Chicago to win 87 games. They won't make the playoffs, as the two teams ahead of them are too good, but they are better than most of the other teams in the AL.

The Halos will cruise to the West title, but they have some pitching questions and a light-hitting lineup that won't produce a ton of runs. I don't think the Mariners will produce as much offense as last year. Expect the A's to be downright horrible, with no offense and a weaker pitching staff than in years past.