Preview/Prediction

The expectations for the Toronto Blue Jays have not been this high since the mid-90’s.

With a team that finished 85-77 and in fourth place in a difficult AL East in 2010, which ended up being about 15 wins better than what was supposed to happen, the leap to the next level in 2011 is a dream that fans in Toronto are hoping becomes a reality.

With Opening Day only a few hours away, the crack of the bat is soon to be heard. The eyes of the sports world will shift from the dreariness of winter sports, to the excitement of baseball and the thrill of the approaching summer months. 

Last season was a memorable one for Major League Baseball. There were numerous perfect games (and near perfect games), including a perfect gem in the playoffs by Roy Halladay; Ken Griffey Jr's retirement; the surge and disappointment of Stephen Strasburg; and the resurgence of the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants.

Before the start of last postseason, the Rangers had never won a playoff series.  In three playoff appearances, they were knocked out in the first round each time by the New York Yankees.

After dispatching the Tampa Bay Rays in five games in the ALDS, the Rangers defeated the Yankees in six games to win the pennant.

Josh Hamilton won the AL MVP, Neftali Feliz won the AL Rookie of the Year and Cliff Lee was a postseason hero. 

But now Lee is gone, so we'll see if the Rangers can get enough from their pitching staff to once again take the AL West crown.

There's not much to cheer about in Seattle, but they do have two of the most exciting players in baseball in Cy Young Award winner Felix Hernandez and Ichiro.

Just a year ago, the Mariners were a popular pick to win the AL West.  They acquired Cliff Lee during the offseason in a trade with Philadelphia, and acquired Chone Figgins as a free-agent.

Seattle started off slow and Cliff Lee didn't pitch the first month of the season.  Lee was then traded for four prospects and the Mariners fluttered to 101 losses.

Some are bolder than others, but here are 99 predictions for the upcoming 2011 season to whet your baseball palate.

American League

1. Matt Wieters will eclipse 20 home runs. With the additions of veteran hitters such as Vladimir Guerrero, Mark Reynolds and Derrek Lee, Wieters can relax and get back to what made him the highest-rated catching prospect since Joe Mauer. (Chris)

BALTIMORE ORIOLES 

Last year: 66-96, 5th place in AL East 

Manager: Buck Showalter 

PROJECTED LINEUP: 

C- Matt Wieters (S)

1B- Derrek Lee (R)

2B- Brian Roberts (S) 

3B- Mark Reynolds (R)

SS- JJ Hardy (R)

LF- Luke Scott (L) 

CF- Adam Jones (R) 

RF- Nick Markakis (L)

DH- Vladimir Guerrero (R)

At first glance the N.L. Central would seem to be a two-team race between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers. Some people add the St. Louis Cardinals to the mix because, well, they're the St. Louis Cardinals. But most analysts seem to agree that it's between the Reds with their combination of speed, power and pitching, and the Brewers, who have one of the top offenses in baseball.

But hold on!

It seems like every year a surprise team competes and makes a run at the World Series. In 2010 it was the San Francisco Giants who shocked the league by beating out all of the favorites for a title.

The Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies are the favorite in each league, but undoubtedly there will be a team that will shock and surprise.

Here are five teams that will surprise in the 2011 MLB season.

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You probably read the headline and thought, "Wow, this guy is some delusional Mets fan." Well, I'm not going to lie to you, that is 100 percent true. I am a proud Mets fan, and at times I can be delusional, seeing how it is basically impossible to be a Mets fan if you aren't at least somewhat messed up in the head. 

That being said, every April brings the beginning of a new season, a 0-0 record, and a ton of hope for fans of every team.

TEXAS RANGERS

Last Year: 90-72, 1st in AL West  

Manager: Ron Washington 

PROJECTED LINEUP 

C- Yorvit Torrealba (R) 

1B- Mitch Moreland (L)

2B- Ian Kinsler (R)

3B- Adrian Beltre (R) 

SS- Elvis Andrus (R)

LF- Josh Hamilton (L)

CF- Julio Borbon (L)

RF- Nelson Cruz (R)

DH- Michael Young (R)