The season is now upon us, and I figure I would post my predictions for the 2006 season. Hope you all will do so as well.
Quick Starters: White Sox.. they were hot last season! Angels.. Had a good pre season Dodgers... Had a complete facelift this offseason. I actually expect a lot from them Yankees... As much as I hate to admit it, I think they will have a good season. They stole Damon, so they should do alright!
Teams To Watch: Athletics... They always seem to be good. Twins... Did good for most of the 2005 season Indians... Made a few interesting changes, should be interesting to see
Slow Starters: Braves... Obviously have to start this list. They could start real slow with some of their changes, but I believe they will surprise you all this season! Red Sox... They had too many changes to start out good. They lost a lot of their Championship team over the past two years, but with Theo back, things should get and stay better quickly! Mets... I just put this one here to irk Lou. Mets won't do anything this season!
If anyone is interested in a Yahoo! pool for baseball, I started a unique one the other day that will begin on April 10th. ID: 303553 PW: coolpool
Oh ye of little faith, Check out the odds for the World Series this year, Mets have been ranked pretty high by a number of sites. Not saying that they will win the Championship this year, but with the moves the Mets have made during the offseason, they will be the one surprising everyone this year.
One move that will be a big benefit for the Mets, as tough as it is for me to say, is Mike Piazza leaving. Mike was great back in the day but it was obvious his best days were behind him. He couldn't play behind the plate anymore or first base, so the Mets replaced him with quality catcher Paul LoDuca. Add in Carlos Delgado, Billy Wagner, and a few of the other trades during the offseason, and the Mets will have a quality team this year.
Marlins-Brewers-Cubs-Reds-Pirates-Rockies-Dodgers-Diamond Backs-Padres-Nationals and maybe Philly
Until MLB adopts some sort of salary Cap(like NFL,NBA,even hockey) it will always be about the have and have nots in this league. It has to be tough to be a Royals or Devil Rays fan and know that you have the best minor league team playing in the majors.
I don't think I agree with the Dodgers being on your list. They made a lot of big signing this offseason and look to come out of the box strong. With keeping Derek Lowe and JD Drew, Signing Nomar, Jason Repko, Rafael Furcal, Bill Mueller, Kenny Lofton and their new Manager Grady Little (who did nothing with the Sox), I thikn this team has a little more hope than in the past seasons.
Yes, replace the Dodgers with the Giants and your list is pretty dead on.
Watch out for Jason Bay with Pittsburgh though, he could have the Pirates shocking people this year. Not saying they will make the playoffs, but they won't be eliminated until late in the season.
