Major League Baseball: The Season Begins

The long winter wait is finally over, spring has arrived, and the '09 MLB season is ready to officially kick off tonight with a match up of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves. The season certainly promises to be an interesting one as several teams made many moves trying to improve their fortunes for the coming year, while other teams are still clinging to their dismal payrolls, hoping that youth and enthusiasm will pave the way for success, much like the Tampa Bay Rays did last year. Other teams, like the Yankees, spent more in this off season than several countries combined Gross National Product. Trying to be objective about the season, there is something inside of me that wants the New York Yankees to completely bomb and eat the money that they spent, trying to buy a championship instead of develop it. The other reason is that I grew up an avid Baltimore Orioles fan, but I will try to be nice. The Phillies are the defending World Series champions, and they will certainly have there hands full even winning there own division, which from top to bottom is certainly the strongest in the National League. The Mets look outstanding, and the Braves and Marlins will also push them to the limit. It is definitely a division that is up for grabs. What will the rest of the league bring forth, we will have to wait and see. The N.L. Central looks on paper like the Cubs will run away and hide, leaving everyone to fight over the leftovers. However, with the return of a seemingly healthy Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright a very strong number 2, dare I say 1A starter, the Cardinals could very well give the Cubs a run for their money. In the N.L. West, the Dodgers appear poised to repeat as division champs with their re-acquisition of the one and only, Manny Ramirez. He was certainly the spark that they needed to turn the corner, to make the playoff run they did. How good can they be having him for the whole year. Could really be scary for the rest of the West. The competition that they might get, will come from the San Francisco Giants. They have added some key players, and with there returning Cy Young award winner, Tim Lincecum, and a couple other capable starters, they could be a surprise. Moving to the American League, it seems like a three horse race, among the Yankees, Red Sox and the Rays. It is a pick-em division with those three. The Blue Jays and the Orioles do not appear to stand a chance with their lack of depth at pitching. In the Central anyone could emerge. There is even talk about the much improved Royals, but the Twins always seem to be vying for the division title, and last years winner, the White Sox should be in the picture as well. In the West, it is the Angels division to lose, but the Athletics could possibly give them a little scare. The angels just seem to have too much pitching and power for anyone else to knock them off their perch. Only time will tell in the long 162 game season, but this could be one of the most competitive seasons in recent history. I am very excited to watch and see, and offer my two cents as we go along. will there be a surprise like the Rays? I hope so, as it is great for the game. I can't wait to see.