2011 MLB Predictions Have Albert Pujols Once Again in Discussion as NL MVP

It's not hard to make an argument for why St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols could be the 2011 National League MVP.

For one, he's the best hitter in baseball.

On top of that, Pujols is in a contract year, and we all know how that can jump up players' stats.

This time of year, America is buzzing over both March Madness and the fantasy baseball information superhighway. 

In this show, I'll provide you with the broadband information you'll need to win a championship and get your coins in.

Join me as I get it in and let you know the under the radar players to roster.

Begin Slideshow

From a hardcore Red Sox lifer and armchair Orioles fan (gotta love that Camden Yards), I am a Buck Showalter admirer. Heck, I think he's the best thing to happen for that team since Albert Belle retired.

The results for the Birds after he took the helm last year speak for themselves. Not only did he turn around what would have been an abysmal season, Buck actually got his young crew playing like October meant something other than golf and Xbox 360.

This is something that the Royals haven't had for awhile: two All-Stars in the same season.

However, it could very well be a reality this year for KC, with a strong possibility of their two best players making the cut.

If you really think about this, it starts to make some sense.

On one hand, you have a two-time All-Star closer in Joakim Soria, and on the other hand, you have an emerging, young hitter in Billy Butler who has really improved in many areas throughout his short big league career.

Last Year: 81-81, Third in AL Central 

Manager: Jim Leyland 

PROJECTED LINEUP 

C- Alex Avila (L)

1B- Miguel Cabrera (R)

2B- Will Rhymes (L)

3B- Brandon Inge (R)

SS- Jhonny Peralta (R)

LF- Ryan Rayburn (R)

CF- Austin Jackson (R)

RF- Magglio Ordonez (R)

DH- Victor Martinez (S)

2B- Carlos Guillen (S) (start season on DL)

In 2008, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded a "utility" third baseman named Jose Bautista to the Toronto Blue Jays for a backup catcher. It took him a couple seasons, but the former utilityman rocketed to become a team mainstay.

First Base: James Loney, Los Angeles Dodgers

Loney has 89.3 RBI over the past three years despite combining for 36 home runs. His batting average and OPS have dipped the past three seasons.

He hit just .222 with a .575 OPS last year against lefties, and .245 and .662 over the past three years, which could lead Don Mattingly to sit him more often than Joe Torre did.

With the start of another season of major league baseball just around the corner, teams are making their final preparations, ensuring their opening day game is one that fans will remember.

Part of the opening day festivities is getting just the right person to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  Sounds like a simple task right?  Guess again. 

Here are celebrity “first pitcher” performances that you will definitely remember.

With opening day only three days away, the Cincinnati Reds roster is looking more like the Walking Wounded than a defending champion.

A pitching rotation of Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo, Travis Wood, Mike Leake and probably Sam LeCure will not strike fear into the hearts of the collective sluggers of the Milwaukee Brewers. Their combined ERA is 6.45.

Despite hurling some of his best stuff in five years (1-0/2.40/15 IP/17 K), Bartolo Colon will start his season with the Yankees in the bullpen.

Yankees skipper Joe Girardi announced Sunday that the team will round out their rotation with Ivan Nova and Freddy Garcia as their fourth and fifth starters.