2010 MLB Preview

With opening day just a few days away, it is time for the first annual TSO MLB Preview. Some of you may know this better as "the word."

NL West
If the Dodgers are going to repeat, they are going to need all of the young guys to really step up. Ethier, Kemp and Loney will all need to produce a ton of runs to protect a starting rotation that looks average at best. Kershaw looks to be the real deal, but behind him things look bleak. I just do not see enough pitching to get it done this year. Despite a strong finish last season, one of the more overlooked teams going into the season is the Colorado Rockies. They will take home the division crown.

1. Colorado Rockies
2. San Francisco Giants
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
4. Arizona Diamondbacks
5. San Diego Padres

NL Central
On paper, this appears to be a one team race. The Cardinals clearly have the strongest rotation anchored by Wainwright and Carpenter. Oh, by the way, they also have a couple of guys named Pujols and Holliday who can put some runs on the board. The Brewers may have enough offense to keep it interesting for a little while, but I just do not see enough pitching to hang in there. The Cubs will be better than most people think with the overrated, clubhouse cancer Milton Bradley out of town. Here is how I see it shaking out.

1. St Louis Cardinals
2. Chicago Cubs
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Cincinnati Reds
5. Houston Astros
6. Pittsburgh Pirates

NL East
The Phillies are the obvious choice here, but don't overlook the Braves. If Cole Hamels does not return to his 2008 form, this division will be much closer than most think. The Braves have a very strong rotation and a solid lineup that will provide enough run support to keep this race tight.

1. Atlanta Braves
2. Philadelphia Phillies
3. Florida Marlins
4. New York Mets
5. Washington Nationals

NL Wild Card: Philadelphia Phillies

AL West
The team that made the most noise this offseason was clearly the Seattle Mariners. They shored up their pitching and defense and added the always productive Chone Figgins. The problem is they finished things off by adding the aforementioned Milton Bradley. Bradley is a guy who has never lived up to his hype, but always to his reputation. Sounds like the prototypical cleanup hitter to me. Not sure that the rotation is deep enough for the regular season, but a 1-2 combo of Hernandez and Lee would be tough to face in the playoffs. I just don't see it all coming together for them. AL West should finish up like this.

1. Los Angeles Angels
2. Texas Rangers
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Oakland Athletics

AL Central
This division always seems to come down to the wire. You can typically take the Royals out and pull the rest of the teams out of a hat without much argument. This year might not be too much different. The difference maker here could easily be Jake Peavy. If he can bring all of his success to the American League, he and Beurhle make a pretty good 1-2. I'll take it like this.

1. Chicago White sox
2. Detroit Tigers
3. Minnesota Twins
4. Cleveland Indians
5. Kansas City Royals

AL East
Easily the most top heavy division in baseball, one deserving team will be left watching in October. Tampa Bay looks to have a chance to return to their 2008 success. If they do not get out of the gates fast, however, they could look to trim payroll and break it all down. Look for Joe Maddon to keep things on track and keep them near the top all season. The Red Sox have a very deep rotation, but their lineup is a step behind the Yankees and Rays. Here's how they end up.

1. Tampa Bay Rays
2. New York Yankees
3. Boston Red Sox
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Toronto Blue Jays

AL Wild Card: New York Yankees

NLDS
Phillies over Cardinals
Rockies over Braves

NLCS
Rockies over Phillies

ALDS
Angels over Yankees
Rays over White Sox

ALCS
Angels over Rays

World Series
Angels over Rockies