(Editor's note: this is a roughrough draft because I didn't have time to finish before opening day, just getting the all-important predictions down for the minute and will build on this tonight...)

But the Reds win out because of their surplus of arms. Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and Micah Owings. Joey Votto is a star waiting to happen at 1B. However, Willy Taveras is the leadoff man in Cincy.

The Minnesota Twins have placed catcher Joe Mauer, as well as pitchers Scott Baker and Boof Bonser, on the 15-day disabled list.

The White Sox name Dewayne Wise their starting CF and their LEADOFF HITTER. Wise, 31, with a .254 OBP. Top of the order, dead already.

The Cubs' Kevin Gregg/Carlos Marmol closer situation/distraction. Whilst Lou Piniella has always been a darkhorse candidate for Mets manager every time he and the manager's position were both available, I'm beginning to think he's lost some of that magic. Not just the lousy post season record historically but also stuff like this, weird pitching decisions, confusion, controversy. It gives on the sense that the Cubs will continue to disappoint this season like they've been doing for 100 years already. Add all of the above to the fact they have Mets favourite punching bag, Aaron Heilman in their bullpen. Oh yeah, the inevitable breakdown of Milton Bradley. Or that Derrick Lee is washed up at 1B.

The Cardinals Jason Motte might make it as an important cog in the bullpen eventually this season.

The Indians can be content with the left side of their infield. Mark DeRosa and Jhonny Peralta set at first and short respectively. Peralta also leads all AL shortstops in homers the past three seasons with 57. Shin-Soo Choo in right field, with a chance at a full season, might be a darkhorse MVP candidate. Kerry Wood closer,

Cancel any hope for the Tigers, who were no-hit in a Spring Training game against the Marlins. Yes, getting rid of Sheffield is a plus but it still doesn't solve the issue of who replaces the production Sheffield never produced and the Tigers are still missing? D-Train Debacle, blood tests for anxiety disorders? This franchise is confused from top to bottom.

The Pirates are still probably too short of talent to make a move yet but Pedro Alvarez

One of the reasons the Angels won the last few years has been the strength of their pitching staff. Now that they're down a few starters and lost their closer. Time to relinquish their choke hold on King of the Mediocres?

First team to 100 losses? Baltimore
The Hunt for Roy Halladay: Winner of these probable sweepstakes will likely have a big push into the post-season.

Predictions:

AL East

Boston: post steroids, keep an eye a potential remarkable drop off from Big Papi
Tampa*
NY Yankees
Toronto
Baltimore

AL Central

Cleveland
Chicago White Sox
Kansas City
Minnesota
Detroit

AL West

Angels (by default)
Texas
Oakland
Seattle

NL East

NY Mets
Atlanta
Philadelphia
Florida: Marlins' bullpen, the catching and the team defense
Washington

NL Central

St Louis
Chicago*
Cincinnati
Milwaukee
Pittsburgh
Houston

NL West

Los Angeles
Arizona
Colorado
San Francisco
San Diego

POST SEASON

Boston over Cleveland
Tampa over Anaheim

Boston over Tampa

Mets over Cubs
Cards over Dodgers

Mets over Cards

Mets over Red Sox