American League
AJ Herrmann gives this season's baseball predictions.
By AJ Herrmann
The Favorites
New York Yankees
Owner George Steinbrenner has money, money, money, money, and more money. That
money has bought him more depth than any team in baseball.
Oakland Athletics
Best starting pitching in baseball, 3B-SS combo of Miguel Tejada and Eric Chavez.
Fighting for a Playoff Spot
Boston Red Sox
Pedro Martinez and Derek Lowe arguably make up the best 1-2 pitching combo in
baseball.
Chicago White Sox
New 1-2 pitching combo of Bartolo Colon and Mark Buerhle might be nearly as
good as Boston’s, plus they have a real closer in Billy Koch while Boston
has a closer by committee approach that has never worked anywhere else.
Seattle Mariners
All around good team with no real superstars except for left fielder Ichiro,
lots of depth and they don’t make stupid mistakes. Pick up Randy Winn
should up shore up left field.
Anaheim Angels
Defending World Series champions, but still not favored to go too far because
of question marks surrounding starting pitching. A team that really got hot
at the right time last year, can players repeat career seasons they had in 2002?
Minnesota Twins
Great bullpen, exciting young team with lots of speed. Could use a little more
power and another veteran starting pitcher.
Should Be Competitive
Texas Rangers
SS Alex Rodriguez best player in baseball, but pitching staff still a major
question (had worst ERA in American League last year).
Toronto Blue Jays
Talented team that never seems to be able to put it together. Pitching staff
still needs work.
2004 Anyone?
Cleveland Indians
Team that one five straight AL central titles has been decimated by free agency,
final straw came with loss of 1B Jim Thome during off season. Some decent young
talent but it’s definitely a rebuilding year.
Kansas City Royals
A few exciting young position players, but pitching staff looks hopeless at
times.
Baltimore Orioles
Good young pitching, but any real progress is still a few years off. Team has
absolutely no hitting.
Ought to Be Contracted
Detroit Tigers
Horrible last year, and that was before their only All-Star (Robert Fick) left
to join the Braves. If they win 60 games this year it would be a miracle.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Same situation as above, except Tampa’s pitching is worse, and the All-Star
they lost (Randy Winn) is better than Robert Fick. This year’s bunch might
be the first major league team in 40 years to lose 110 games.
— AJ Herrmann is a senior in high school who will attend Colby College
next fall.
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