More NL Predictions

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1. The Rockies also were no fluke. I can't believe how many folks think they got lucky. People in the know believe they have the best every-day lineup in the NL. It's crazy that they aren't seen as a potential power.

2. The Dodgers have the ability to win the NL West, but I could also see them disappointing again. Their young players are very talented, but their clubhouse troubles may be more ingrained than anyone thinks. And the decision of whether to play high-priced veteran Juan Pierre in left field or the more deserving young Andre Ethier could impact that clubhouse.

3. The Padres have the pitching but probably not the hitting.

4. The Braves are a worthy dark horse. "They've got a lot of young guys who can hit,'' one scout said. Don't count them out.

5. The Phillies played like a team with a winners' hangover this spring. Brad Lidge isn't looking like a savior, and they still need pitching.

6. The Mets have four of the 15 best players in baseball (Jose Reyes, David Wright, Carlos Beltran and Johan Santana). But they still have a lot of age on them and could be vulnerable.

7. The Cubs have too much talent to not make the playoffs.

8. The Brewers, who possess as much young talent as almost anyone, are the one divisional threat to the Cubs.

9. The Reds as a dark horse? I tried that last year, and I'm not about to make that mistake again.

NL picks:

Division winners: Diamondbacks, Cubs, Mets. Wild card. Rockies.

Pennant: D-Backs

AL Predictions

1. The Red Sox may have a bit of a hangover. Both Daisuke Matsuzaka and Josh Beckett could have come to camp in better shape (Who do they think they are, Curt Schilling?) Yet, it's still hard to pick against them.

2. The Yankees may not have enough proven pitching; their playoff streak ends at 13.

3. The Blue Jays have talent but too many injury-prone players to count on.

4. The Rays will beat out the Orioles for the first time. And easily

5. The Orioles will be the worst team in baseball (though the Giants and Pirates could give them a run for their money).

6. The Indians are a nice balanced team that's probably just a little bit hungry.

7. The Tigers' lineup will light up a lot of scoreboards, but ultimately their bullpen will undermine them.

8. The White Sox have power, but they seem awfully one-dimensional. And the groin injury to left fielder Jerry Owens, who had 32 steals in just 93 games in 2007, doesn't help.

9. The Angels are a fun, young team, but spring injuries to starting pitchers John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar bring alarm.

10. The Mariners may capitalize on the Angels' misfortune.

AL picks

Division winners: Red Sox, Indians, Angels. Wild card: Mariners.

Pennant: Indians.

World Series: Indians over D-Backs.

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