Preview/Prediction

The Houston Astros, I predict, will finish fifth in the NL Central. I don't think that they will have enough steam to finish in the top and they will be beaten out by the Cincinnati Reds. The Astros need help in the rotation because Roy Oswalt cannot carry this team on his arm.

Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee will need to provide as much power and driving force as they can. Berkman cannot get injured while in a playoff hunt either.

Keep an eye on: Wandy Rodriguez, sp

The Pirates organization has been on a downfall since they lost Barry Bonds. Over the past five years, their highest win total was 72, and that was in 2004. Least year they only managed to grab 67 wins. This organization is getting pathetic but there is hope to those who wait.

Players like Nate McLouth, Andrew McCutchen, and Andy LaRoche are coming into their own and soon enough, if they don't get traded them and pitchers Ian Snell, Zach Duke, and Tom Gorzelanny will blossom. This year is not the year though.

Keep an eye on: Steve Pearce, of

Yes, the Mets will finally hold off the Phillies to win the NL East this year, I swear.

The Marlins will have a lot of young help this year, with the returning Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Jeremy Hermida, and Cameron Maybin looking to make significant contributions.

They also acquired third baseman Emilio Bonifacio from Washington for pitcher Scott Olsen. However, Florida did lose closer Kevin Gregg, who had 29 saves last year. Replacing him is Matt Lindstrom.

The reason why I have the Marlins in third place is because they will not compare to the Phillies or the Mets in terms of their pitching staff.

1. Matt Wieters
No he's not going to start the season with the big club, but all indications are that Wieters will be up at some point for the Orioles this season. The wunderkid is the best catching prospect in baseball right now and has a chance to be the face of the Orioles for years to come.

Orioles fans should be excited to see just how good Wieters really is and how he performs in the majors. If Wieters is the real deal, the Orioles could be really competative in a few seasons.

2. The real Adam Jones

The Mariners have way too many starters. It includes young guys (Felix Hernandez, Brandon Morrow, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Garrett Olson) and veterans (Jarrod Washburn, Carlos Silva, Erik Bedard). Also, non-roster invitees like Chris Jakubauskas are also in the contension. But there are only five spots on the rotation. Who will make it?

The Oakland A's, with some new faces, most likely will tie with the upstart Rangers for second in the American League West division. Oakland brought back Jason Giambi, and traded young center fielder Carlos Gonzalez to Colorado for the powerful Matt Holliday.

Their pitching staff will need to come through behind Justin Duchscherer and Dana Eveland. The bullpen will have Joey Devine and Brad Ziegler in the late innings.

Keep and Eye on: Gio Gonzalez, sp

The Mariners have a very young staff stepping forward. Felix Hernandez is the sure-fire ace but people have to watch out for Brandon Morrow is the key youngster that could make a name for himself in the rotation. Also Erik Bedard is lurking in the shadows as the number two on the staff. The Mariners also get a blast from the past with Ken Griffey Jr. who will more than likely play outfield.

I predict the Minnesota Twins will win the AL Central. The Twins have a very good mash of players that could produce good enough chemistry. Players like Carlos Gomez, Denard Span, Justin Morneau, and Joe Mauer all can do well in this lineup.

Keep an Eye on: Alexi Casilla, 2B