Which Baseball Teams Could Win Division Titles

By John Kuykendall

Last week I gave my predictions for the MLB Division Winners and inadvertently left out a couple of divisions. Okay, you can laugh at me but that is what happens sometimes when you get old.
So the MLB opening day is set for Mar. 26, and as usual, I like to try and predict the top teams based on what the statistics and talent might dictate the best teams to be.
The AL East could be interesting this season with Tampa Bay having some pretty solid pitchers on the roster and New York is always in the hunt. However, Baltimore looks like the team that could win the division this season.
In the AL West, it could be a coin toss between the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers since both have strong teams. The Astros are no doubt a powerhouse team but Houston has some good young talent that could lead the team to the top spot. However, I’ll have to give the Astros the advantage.
In the AL Central, the stability of Minnesota will come into play for sure. However, I wouldn’t count Cleveland or Detroit out either. However, at this point and time Minnesota has to be considered the favorite to win the division.
So that would leave New York, Tampa Bay and Seattle looking to be in the American League Wild Card races.
In the NL East, the troubles have already started for the Atlanta Braves with starting pitchers out with injuries for possibly half the season. However, I wouldn’t count the Braves out just yet. However, the team that might have the edge would be Philadelphia at this point with the rotation and power the team has makes it the top contender. But don’t every rule the Mets out because of the way the team can swing the bat. However, I have to give the edge to Philadelphia.
In the NL Central there is no doubt that Milwaukee had the pitching staff that stands out. However, don’t count out the Cubs. Chicago has what could be the strongest offense in the division and that could be big this season. Cincinnati will remain in the hunt as well. While Milwaukee has the edge, I’m calling the Cubs here because of the teams offensive fire power.
In the NL West, the team I hate, the Dodgers look to remain the standard in that division but I wouldn’t rule Arizona out. The Diamondbacks have talent with speed and you have to also consider San Diego could be in the running since it a bat swinging team. I would love to see someone knock off the Dodgers, but I have to believe, at least for now, they are the team to beat in the NL West.
So my first Wildcard pick for the National League is the Atlanta Braves. The second pick goes to Arizona and the third goes to San Diego or Milwaukee.
Now lets not forget that injuries will have a say in how each bracket lines up as the season progresses. If a team loses two or more starters the games in the loss column could pile up as quick as snow in Alaska.
The trade deadlines will also come into play and the team that makes the boldest moves in July could total add to its win column quickly.
It is important to point out a trend I have noticed in the MLB. The league players keep getting younger in key roles and that forces managers to have to really stay focused and rethink the line up and rotation. The better the manager, the better the team.
No matter how you slice it, baseball like any other sport, is just a game and it only take a couple of mistakes or injuries to put a team’s season into the toilet.
But, if you are a baseball fan, this season could prove to be another interesting one that is filled with young talented players who can and will make a difference.
So enjoy the season. Always remember that life is just better when you add in peanuts, sunshine and baseball.