Lets Play Ball!

Yes folks the time has come again for another fabulous season of major league baseball. Now I'm not gonna sit here and pretend I am an expert and pick divisions or who is going to win. We're gonna do something for simpler here on Ice Cold Sports. Heres how its going to work. We have seven categories. Every team will be placed in one. Lets not waste any time here batting lead off we have the favorites category. The lone disclaimer I have is that these are not in any particular order.

The Favorites

New York Yankees

They are coming off their 27th world title and they only improved with key pieces like Curtis Granderson and Javier Vazquez, but thevoffense may suffer a little bit with the loses of Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui. The Yankees biggest concerns this season will be health and depth. If a big bat goes down they will have trouble filling shoes.

Philadelphia Phillies

To put it short, the rich got richer. Already having been in the last two World Series the Phillies added arguably the best pitcher in baseball to their rotation in Roy "Doc" Halladay. And if that weren't enough they added an elite infielder to play third base in Placido Polanco. If the fighting Phils pitching can stay healthy and Cole Hamels returns to his old form, Philly may be in line to hosting a third straight series.



Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox were the big spenders in the offseason but they managed to spend it wisely. They added former ace now middle of the rotation John Lackey who had the best spring among Sox pitchers. The team also filled major holes in centerfield with Mike Cameron and at shortstop with Marco Scutaro. Both more known for their gloves than bat but can still produce. They'll lead the league in defense and pitching but many are concerned about their offense as they try to transition from long ball to small ball.


St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals won't have trouble finding offense with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and company and they have two of the best pitchers in the National League with Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. The rest of their staff looks shotty and they have some youth but Tony LaRussa always finds a way to make his team a contender every year


The Contenders


Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays are a feisty bunch that can run and slug with any team in baseball. They have proven over the last few years that the AL East is more than a two team race. Expect them to make a lot of noise this season.

Detroit Tigers

Miguel Cabrera looks to be in tip top shape heading into this season. With the addition of Johnny Damon and Rookie of the Year candidates Austin Jackson and Scott Sizemore, these two bring youth and new attitude to a dangerous Tigers lineup. Just keep in mind that the AL Central will be a dogfight till the last day.

Atlanta Braves

This is one scary team. Troy Glaus is going to provide a lot of offense for a young and powerful offense and with Tommy Hansen and Jair Jurrjens leading a veteran pitching staff. They will be able to challenge Philadelphia and contend well into October.

Seattle Mariners

Seattle must have gotten sick of looking up at the Angels for the last decade because they went out on a shopping spree this winter. Cliff Lee will take pressure off of Felix Hernandez while Chone Figgins brings his glove and speed. It'll be interesting to see how Milton Bradley acts with his new team. Look for them to Battle Texas for that West crown.

Texas Rangers

There is no question that Texas could always hit and score runs and that their biggest problem was pitching. Well they may have finally fixed that with the emergence of Scott Feldman and the addition of Rich Harden. Look for the Rangers to be contending for a spot in October this season.

Colorado Rockies

There are a lot of people picking the Rockies to dethrone the Phillies in the National League. I see them as the National League version of the Rangers. All the offense in the world but pitching is a liability. They've been known to shock in the past. We'll see if they can overcome a tough NL West division.

San Francisco Giants

The Giants have the talent and experience to make a deep run in October. However that may also hurt them. With guys like Aaron Rowand (32) Mark DeRosa (35) and Edgar Renteria (34) it may be a challenge for the Giants to keep healthy or keep up with the younger teams. But with Tim Lincecum...you always got a chance.

Sleepers

Minnesota Twins

Ozzie Guillen hates this team for a reason. No matter what they always find a way to be there in the end. Losing Joe Nathan was rough but they will overcome it.

Chicago White Sox

If Jake Peavy pitches like the 2007 Cy Young winning Jake Peavy and Andruw Jones shows that he still has some pop in his bat. Watch out for the southsiders come October.

Arizona Diamondbacks


The Dbacks can put runs on the board but they will need a healthy Brandon Webb to truly be dangerous.

Milwaukee Brewers

Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun will lead a young talented core to compete with the Cardinals in the Central.


Rising


Baltimore Orioles

The addition of veterans Kevin Millwood and Miguel Tejada will serve this young team well.

Florida Marlins

News flash: the Marlins can hit and have decent pitching. They should finish strong this year.


Cincinnati Reds

They have the perfect lineup for a homerun happy ballpark. Pitching may be a concern though.


Washington Nationals

Expect to see Stephen Strasberg called up by the all-star break. Expect them to make moves to HELP the team for the future. The Nats are ready to start contending. It'll be a slow process but you can't run till you know how to walk.

Failure To Improve


Los Angeles Dodgers

The only headlines the Dodgers made in the offseason was the owners divorce from his wife.

New York Mets

They got Jason Bay yes. But they failed to address their true need: pitching. Plus they still have many health concerns and a crappy general manager.

Chicago Cubs

They got rid of Milton Bradley but that was just one of many problems they didn't address. It'll be a long year on the north side.

Oakland A's

The A's added two veterans. One is already on the DL. I expect the other one to join him at some point.

Houston Astros


Lets face it...manager Brad Mills has his work cut out for him.

Kansas City Royals

They play in the AL Central with gives them a chance. Its a small chance but its a chance.


Sliding


Toronto Blue Jays

They'll never have a pitcher like Roy Halladay again. Expect them to contend for baseball's worst record.

Los Angeles Angels

They lost their ace pitcher and lead off man and failed to replace either. But they did add a Japanese player who looks older than my grandfather.


It's Going To Be A Long Year


San Diego Padres

Adrian Gonzalez: Hurry up and trade me, I can't take much more of this.

Pittsburgh Pirates

Don't worry Andrew McCutchen you have talent and a bright future. You won't be in Pittsburgh long.

Cleveland Indians

I give you the cast of Major League 4. But instead of a comedy, this will be a tragedy.

Awards

AL MVP- Evan Longoria
NL MVP- Albert Pujols

AL Cy Young- Felix Hernandez
NL Cy Young- Roy Halladay

AL Rookie of the Year- Scott Sizemore
NL Rookie of the Year- Jason Heyward

AL Manager of the Year- Don Wakamatsu
NL Manager of the Year- Bobby Cox

There you have it folks. Feel free to voice your thoughts and opinions about the season on facebook or twitter. Just search Ice Cold Sports. We'll see you tonight at Fenway Park for Opening Night.