MLB

I usually don't like predictions because I am really bad at them. These are just numbers, not backed up by statistics from last year because, frankly, I don't give last year much thought. Especially because I'm a Mets' fan.

So I made these extraordinary picks. Not too many surprises, that's why I still have three out my four final four picks still in there.

I'm all for nostalgia, so I have my two favorite teams to relive some brilliant baseball history, and after another drug-filled offseason, I think everyone would agree that we need some excitement this season.

The Detroit Tigers come into 2009 with not-so-lofty expectations. In fact, they are coming in under the radar.

KEYS TO SUCCESS:

Start fast. The last time the Tigers started the season well, they won the American League. It is a matter of coming out of the gates early, getting ahold of first place in the AL Central, and never letting go.

After a disappearing act over two years featuring injuries and disappointing play, Travis Hafner's return is one of the biggest stories of the Indians 2009 season.

However, it isn't the most important factor that could lead them on the path to success this year. The bullpen and situational hitting were problem areas for the Tribe in '08.

Hafner's stardom rose to its peak in 2006, then fell off the tracks some time after signing a major contract extension. His injury troubles have forced him off the field and into the DH spot of the lineup.

Entering spring training in 2009, the most talked about position battle for the Red Sox was at shortstop, where Jed Lowrie and Julio Lugo faced off. The battle didn't even last the duration of spring training, as Lugo found himself on the operating table getting knee surgery.

I have to say, I really do not see a lot of teams competing for the National League Championship this year.  Many of these teams look good, but I cannot see them going deep in the playoffs.

Starting with the west, you have teams with very good pitching.  The Diamondbacks have a great one-two punch with Brandon Webb and Dan Harren.  After them, it gets shaky.  A lot of these starters really don't make batters nervous.  

It was a bad day on the mound today for the Astros. From astros.com:

'Stros at the plate: “Kazuo Matsui went 3-for-3 with a double,a run scored, and an RBI, and Hunter Pence went 1-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Edwin Maysonet hit a solo home run to left field off of right-hander Chad Durbin in the sixth inning.”

They’re not a team made up of speed, but they’re showing aggressiveness.

“What you don't want to see is to have this type of program in spring training and then drop back to Plan B in the regular season," manger Clint Hurdle said. “We can't afford to do that. We've got to stay aggressive and look to pick up 90 feet whenever we can, with whoever is on base."

It's Jordan Schafer!

I must say, I was skeptical that the Braves would make the right move here. I was very afraid they would treat Schafer the way they did young pitcher Tommy Hanson, who also had a great spring.

While it is not yet official, the trade of CF Josh Anderson for righthanded minor-league reliever Rudy Darrow certainly suggests that Schafer has claimed the starting job over the competition.

Going into training, it was really down to Schafer and Anderson; Gregor Blanco was a longshot from the start.

One of the pretty cool things about Bleacher Report is that so many people look at your work. One of the best features is the editing format, and through the plethora of editors on this site, I have improved my writing skills.

Thanks to all who have helped me along the way.

Another great feature is when your name gets out there, other writers want your opinions on their articles, and even more information gets flowing through my brain.

I'm hoping this spring means something and that all these Yankee wins could help build momentum for when the regular season starts. We know that these games don't prove much, but I'll take what I saw.

I have Andy Pettitte as one of my bench pitchers in fantasy baseball and I'm wondering if I should make him a starter.

A+: Andy Pettitte

Total domination. He reached his pitch count and then came out of the game with only one earned run against him. I guess you can say he's ready for the season.

A+: Mark Teixeira